They are manipulating people's thinking. That was the point.
And they do it, there are known techniques of propaganda.
If you don't know, then study.
It is not new, of course. But as everything, as any other field, they develop and polish over time.
Well, Duh. That's a little harsh but it's no secret or conspiracy. It's done in plain sight. They do it because it works. It works because most people are just to damn busy with work, family and the job of day to day living. I'm retired now so I got time to talk about things like this. Before I often wondered how people found the time to protest. I'm glad there are people that do. But as SH said once (I think it was SH) just because your protesting doesn't mean your right.

If your point is companies, politicians, billionaires .... lie and try to manipulate us, then I agree. But they are not all working as one organism in a joint conspiracy.