Mental informational-statistical sabotage: features and problems of counteraction

M.V. Karmanov, I.A. Kiseleva, V.I. Kuznetsov, A.M. Tramova

Abstract. Currently, there is a rapid expansion of the information space. This gives society new opportunities and poses new problems. Thus, information is often used not for its intended purpose, but as a tool of information wars, which have a psychological impact on the consciousness of the population. At the same time, the concept of “information war” is interpreted differently, so there is no consensus in assessing the impact of information wars on human consciousness. Based on the aforesaid, studies aimed at assessing this impact and developing measures to counter mental information and statistical sabotage are relevant. Objective. To clarify the essence of the concepts of “information war”, “mental information and statistical sabotage”, to consider the methodological issues of using information in mental wars, as a result of which a change in worldview is possible. Methodology. Theoretical research methods are used in the form of generalization, comparison and special analytical procedures. Results. The article provides a literature review devoted to the problems of mental information and statistical sabotage. It is noted that statistical data plays an important role in information impact, as they allow one to clearly demonstrate the correctness of certain ideas. Methods of manipulating statistical data are considered. Conclusions. The problems of mental information and statistical sabotage are becoming especially relevant in the modern world. The features of mental information and statistical sabotage are revealed, the causes and directions of counteraction to them are determined. Firstly, the system of the unified state examination had positive and negative consequences. Due to the test system of preparation and accumulation of knowledge, which implies not creativity, but drilling for correct answers, many historical, literary, cultural and other values ​​were left overboard. This paved the way for information and statistical sabotage. Secondly, insufficient statistical literacy. The population does not have the special knowledge that would allow it to quickly and successfully understand outright statistical disinformation, and even less so veiled statistical sabotage of a mental nature. Scope of application of the obtained results. The material can be useful in developing measures to counter mental information and statistical sabotage.

Keywords: information wars, mental information-statistical sabotage, manipulation of statistical data, statistical literacy

For citation. Karmanov M.V., Kiseleva I.A., Kuznetsov V.I., Tramova A.M. Mental informational-statistical sabotage: features and problems of counteraction. News of the Kabardino-Balkarian Scientific Center of RAS. 2025. Vol. 27. No. 1. Pp. 79–88. DOI: 10.35330/1991-6639-2025-27-1-79-88