You and I are like two audience members debating whether the card trick at a magic show is real or not.
No, we are debating weather the earth is flat and ruled by reptillians.
You’re convinced the magician knew, through telepathy or some other “magic,” that you were going to choose the three of diamonds. I’m trying to explain to you that the magician manipulated you, through the tactic of “priming,” into choosing that particular card.
Although you felt free and in control of your choice, the priming exercise was perpetrated on you by the magician in a form of behavioral control without your knowledge or consent.
The news media does the same thing with your beliefs about what’s happening in the world.