While many believe mind control is purely a fictional concept, the truth is that various forms of manipulation are constantly influencing us. From advertisements on television, the Internet, or billboards to repetitive messages in the media shaping public views, mind control is a very real phenomenon.
That said, some of the claims about mental manipulation are far more extravagant than others. We leave it to you to determine which ones seem credible. Here are 10 fascinating and unsettling accounts of mind control's apparent realities.
10. The 'MuckRock' Files

One of the most intriguing and recent mind control cases came to light in April 2018. MuckRock, a website focused on Freedom of Information issues, received a secret document that outlined in detail the 'EM Effects On The Human Body.'
Curtis Waltman, the journalist in question, was curious enough to open the .zip file and, upon doing so, uncovered a comprehensive breakdown of 'psycho-electronic' and 'psychotronic' weapons. The document also described how 'communications vans' would serve as mobile sources of this weaponized energy from the ground, while black, unmarked helicopters would transmit it from the sky.
Even more alarming, if these claims are true, is the suggestion that communications towers would continuously emit low-level signals to enforce 'mass mind control' over a designated population. The documents also referenced technology capable of inducing nightmares and even leading citizens to contemplate or carry out suicide. Even more disturbing was the proposed technology that could cause heart palpitations, heart attacks, muscle cramps, and symptoms resembling tinnitus.
9. The 'Absurd' Claims Of Barrie Trower

While the previous claims might be easily dismissed as a hoax, the words of researcher Barrie Trower may be harder to overlook, especially for those who subscribe to such theories. He is one of many scientists who argue that the US government's practice of 'nonpublic research' allows them to keep the public unaware of the true nature of their work and its intentions.
According to Trower, this is likely because members of the public are often unaware victims of such frequency-based weapons. Moreover, when someone dares to challenge these shadowy organizations, they are typically silenced with claims that they cannot provide 'conclusive proof' of their accusations.
Trower frequently discusses what he refers to as 'microwave mind control warfare' being waged against US citizens. Needless to say, many consider his claims to be ludicrous. Outside of conspiracy circles, most of his assertions are met with indifference.
8. John St. Clair Akwei’s Lawsuit Against The NSA

When John St. Clair Akwei filed a lawsuit against the NSA in 1992, he accused the intelligence agency of having the ability to secretly kill US citizens and carry out psychological operations to have individuals diagnosed as mentally ill!
During the legal proceedings, he asserted that the NSA had been in control of nearly all global electronic communications since the 1940s, shortly after World War II. He also claimed that the NSA had access to some of the most advanced computer systems imaginable, including a supercomputer stationed at Fort Meade.
As if these claims weren’t outrageous enough, Akwei went on to state that the NSA had the ability to 'decode Electro Magnetic Frequency (EMF) waves,' which, he believed, surround every individual. He also alleged that the NSA possessed technology to 'remotely analyze all objects, whether man-made or organic, that emit electrical energy.'
Additional revelations during the legal proceedings suggested that the NSA employed over 50,000 agents with 'advanced permission' — meaning they didn't require approval — to spy on any US citizen they deemed necessary. Furthermore, this widespread surveillance, whether targeting individuals, groups, or organizations, was conducted on a massive scale.
7. The Commendable Work Of Jose Delgado

Jose Delgado’s work began with noble intentions. However, as he gained success with his theories, they were seemingly hijacked by those looking to exploit them for darker purposes. Upon arriving at Yale University in 1950, Delgado sought ways to electrically stimulate the brain as an alternative to lobotomies, which he rightfully deemed 'brutal.'
Delgado used small wires implanted directly into a person's skull, which were then remotely activated to send electrical charges to the brain. Depending on which area of the brain was targeted, he could trigger emotions such as fear, happiness, and even sexual attraction. Though he was just beginning his research, he had effectively discovered a method for remote mind control.
As prescription drugs became the preferred treatment for mental illness, much of Delgado’s research became less necessary for the general public. However, he redirected his methods to control violent prisoners.
By inserting small implants into their brains, Delgado argued that he could isolate the region responsible for violent behavior and deactivate it. He famously demonstrated his device by halting an enraged bull's charge with just the flick of a switch.
6. Audio Messages Under The Music In Shopping Malls

Although not widely publicized, many shopping malls employ a technology that broadcasts suggestive and subliminal messages beneath calming music, urging shoppers 'not to steal.' As strange as it may sound, studies show that incidents of shoplifting decreased when this technology was in use.
Similar experiments, often incorporating subliminal images, were sometimes carried out in cinemas and theaters to boost sales of soft drinks and snacks. One of the most famous experiments involved flashing extremely brief images of Coca-Cola for a fraction of a second on the cinema screen. It was observed that Coca-Cola sales would always see a significant spike following these subliminal flashes.
While this kind of 'soft mind control' seems harmless enough—and in the case of the shopping mall instructions, serves as a beneficial public service—many within conspiracy circles question how safe the general public truly is from such messages, especially if the message shifts from 'don’t steal' to something more sinister, like 'kill people.'
5. The Findings Of Susan Bryce

In the summer of 1993, journalist Susan Bryce published a comprehensive article for Exposure Magazine, where she outlined how vulnerable the human brain is to low-frequency waves. She specifically claimed that these sound waves had 'controlling effects' on the human mind when synchronized with the rhythm of the human heartbeat, which she noted is typically 72 pulses per minute. What's even more concerning is that those under this control wouldn’t even be aware of it.
Similar to the tests conducted in cinemas, Bryce alleged that experiments using this low-frequency programming had been carried out in theaters without the audience's knowledge or consent. According to her sources, one in every six people would 'fall under the spell' of the experimenters.
Perhaps even more unsettling is the fact that the information in Bryce's article was not disputed by the intelligence community—in fact, the response was quite the opposite. Given the well-known assertion that such agencies are often decades ahead of what they reveal to the public, the extent to which they may be advancing in this subtle form of mind control is a truly frightening prospect.
4. MKUltra And The 6 Percent Budget

Thanks to an investigation by The New York Times that culminated in the mid-1970s, we now know that the CIA conducted extensive research into mind control during the 1950s. This research led to the MKUltra programs, which are frequently discussed in conspiracy circles to this day.
Moreover, the department allocated 6 percent of its total budget to the program. While that may not sound like a significant amount, 6 percent represents a considerable sum when you take into account the vast number of projects and departments within the intelligence agency.
Although The New York Times investigation eventually compelled the intelligence department to publicly acknowledge that they had conducted extensive research into mind control, they claimed that their involvement was limited to very basic research and decided to end the project in the early 1960s.
Many found this version of events difficult to believe, especially in light of several whistle-blowers who claimed to have been victims of these programs. When the agency was asked to provide official records of the experiments, their response was that the 'growing paper problem' had led them to destroy the records.
3. Dan Aykroyd And Other Celebrity Moments

Dan Aykroyd has always been open about his deep interest in the paranormal, conspiracies, and UFOs. He has featured in several serious documentaries exploring these topics, with such eerie and shadowy events often serving as inspiration for his films. However, his interest took a chilling turn when he was scheduled to interview pop star Britney Spears in January 2008.
In the lead-up to his interview with Britney Spears, Aykroyd recounted several phone conversations where he claimed that 'Men In Black' were monitoring both the calls and his movements. He mentioned seeing these strange figures watching him, and when he looked back, they would mysteriously vanish as if they had disappeared into thin air.
Aykroyd explained that the interview's subject matter focused on conspiracies related to mind control and Spears's multiple personalities, which some believe are a result of MKUltra-like programming. Although the interview was filmed and fully edited, it was pulled at the last minute and never aired.
2. CIA Influence In Hollywood

While the CIA officially claims an 'advisory' role in Hollywood, its influence is undeniably tangible. A close look at the angles and perspectives in films reveals why many believe their involvement goes beyond mere advice, hinting at a more mandatory influence over productions.
The department in question is called the 'Entertainment Industry Liaison Office.' Beyond offering advice, they provide 'financial assistance' to filmmakers. However, the selection of recipients for this funding is entirely at the discretion of the department, a fact that many believe should raise significant concerns.
In addition to offering a particular viewpoint on history, especially those aspects crucial to the American identity, the CIA is said, by some, to manipulate public perception and opinion. During the Cold War, these efforts were allegedly carried out under a covert operation known as Operation Mockingbird. Whether such activities persist today remains a topic of debate.
1. The Claims Of Roseanne Barr

Roseanne Barr is no stranger to controversy, but before becoming infamous for her bold statements on social media, she was known for speaking out about mind control and its frequent use in Hollywood. Her outspoken nature on these topics set her apart as a voice of dissent.
In a 2013 interview with RT News, Barr discussed what she described as a 'culture of fear' pervasive in Hollywood, where mind control is regularly employed to perpetuate 'racism, sexism, classism, and genderism.' She claimed this was done to 'make a lot of money' and was carried out 'at the behest of their masters who run everything!'
To emphasize her point, Barr declared, 'MKUltra rules in Hollywood,' warning that speaking out against it could result in 'the danger of never working again!' Additionally, Barr claimed that 'everyone in Hollywood has friends who have experienced it!'
While many take Barr's words with skepticism, she is not the first to suggest that mind control is at play in Hollywood. Furthermore, as we'll explore in the next section, the CIA undoubtedly has a significant presence and influence in Tinseltown.
