Manipulation distorts the truth. The manipulators gave up a legitimate, democratic persuasion device and replaced it with manipulative techniques. Successful manipulators make decisions based on emotions, not facts. The masses are mostly dependent on what they say in the mass media or what other individuals convey. Manipulation enters the flow of information at two main points through the actual source of information and through the media. A free society depends heavily on trust in government, trust in the education system, and trust in the press. Very few democratic governments today enjoy the full trust of the electorate. And the newspaper media have shown that they do not create a distance between themselves and their patrons, but are often in the service of them. In order for people to avoid being influenced by media manipulation, it is necessary to identify sources of information that can be trusted. Those individuals and elements of the mass media who have given some evidence of trying to be honest should be supported. People should have a note of skepticism with advertising, news, comments, and government officials. You should never depend on one source of information.