The article examines how manipulative elements can influence people’s perception and behavior in the field of communication technologies, in particular through the mass media, where manipulative elements can be present in news content, advertising and other programs; through social networks (fake news, speculation, manipulation of content or the use of psychological techniques to attract attention or change users’ opinions); through advertising, in particular through the use of emotional manipulation, hidden messages or manipulative techniques. It is determined that there are various techniques that can be used for psychological manipulation: emotional manipulation, information manipulation, social norms and environmental influence, manipulation of the sense of need or deficit, manipulation of authority or status. It is found that an important task of modern society is to combat manipulative technologies, which is relevant in the era of rapid development of technology and social networks, where fake news, disinformation and other forms of manipulation are spreading to influence public opinion. Manipulation is an element of socio-political governance and the struggle for power in society. It is concluded that it is important to develop media literacy and critical thinking in order to recognize manipulative techniques and protect oneself from them. The fight against manipulative technologies requires a comprehensive approach and the involvement of various spheres of society. The ways of combating manipulative technologies are identified: media literacy and education, development of legal regulation, engagement of social media and support of independent media, civic education and active participation in society, international cooperation and development of technological solutions

manipulation, communication technologies, public opinion, media education, media literacy, information security, information management