PSYCHOLOGY OF METACOGNITIVE INFLUENCE: A NEW DIMENSION OF WARFARE FOR CONSCIOUSNESS

Abstract

The article presents a theoretical analysis of the phenomenon of metacognitive influence as a tool of hybrid warfare in the context of contemporary turbulent processes. It is emphasized that the transformation of military strategies in the twenty-first century has shifted the focus from the physical battlefield to the sphere of human consciousness, worldview, and value orientations. Hybrid warfare is interpreted as a multidimensional system of influence in which the cognitive component acquires strategic significance. It is argued that metacognitive warfare is aimed not only at the dissemination of information or disinformation, but primarily at the modification of thinking processes, mechanisms of reflection, and decision-making. The relationship between the concepts of cognition and metacognition is analysed, and their relevance for understanding the psychological mechanisms of influence in metacognitive warfare is outlined. The study demonstrates that the use of cognitive distortions, manipulative strategies, and digital technologies creates conditions for achieving cognitive superiority in confrontation. In this context, the human brain becomes both the target and the instrument of struggle. It is concluded that the consequences of metacognitive influence are twofold: psychological – manifested through anxiety, polarisation, exhaustion, and a decline in self-regulation – and technical – manifested through human errors that affect the functioning of systems, networks, and procedures. The key threats to the cognitive security of individuals and society are identified, including the destabilisation of decision-making processes, the erosion of trust, and the weakening of mental resilience. The article emphasises the need to develop preventive strategies, enhance metacognitive competence, and strengthen resilience to manipulative influences. Early identification of technological risks, interdisciplinary research on cognitive and metacognitive warfare, and the timely development of preventive approaches – rather than merely reactive responses to individual information attacks – are becoming critically important. Understanding the psychological dimensions of metacognitive warfare makes it possible to move beyond a purely reactive stance and to gain technological and psychological initiative in countering emerging threats. This requires the development of metacognitive competence, critical thinking, media literacy, and digital hygiene as fundamental conditions for strengthening cognitive resilience. Ultimately, this resilience serves as a prerequisite for the cognitive security of both individuals and society in conditions of global turbulence and digital interdependence.