Psychological Resilience and Media Literacy: The Shield of the Nation Against Modern Warfare

Dr. Bahman Bahmani, Faculty Member at the University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, emphasized the importance of protecting oneself from covert media attacks through vigilant monitoring of news sources, especially in light of recent experiences and the enemy’s media warfare.

In an interview with the university’s web news agency, Dr. Bahmani highlighted the critical role of psychological adaptation in post-conflict conditions. He stated, “We have endured difficult and sensitive days, culminating in a 12-day war. Despite the intensity of the clashes, our nation emerged with honor from this major test. This victory over dozens of countries and the world’s most advanced military equipment is a testament to our people’s resilience and endurance.”

He added, “While these achievements are sources of national pride and honor, we must not overlook the psychological and social repercussions of war. If those involved can effectively manage these impacts, their inner and personal sense of victory will be strengthened. One of the key attributes that can support us in this journey is ‘resilience,’ or ‘the ability to regain psychological equilibrium.’”

Regarding the definition of resilience, Dr. Bahmani explained, “Resilience is the capacity to psychologically and behaviorally rebuild after experiencing harm, crisis, or internal and external collapse. A resilient person can rise again after suffering and crises, demonstrate adaptive behaviors, restore conditions, and even perform better than before. This ability stems from a deeper understanding of oneself, the world, and life circumstances.”

Psychological resilience and media literacy serve as vital protective shields for the nation against the evolving threats of modern warfare.

A coward is someone afraid of being afraid.

He emphasized that “fear is a natural and vital emotion, and there is no need to be afraid of it. Someone afraid is not a coward. A coward is someone who is afraid of their fear and makes every effort to avoid potentially threatening situations. Therefore, we should not label someone who feels fear in a tense or dangerous situation as cowardly. Courage does not mean the absence of fear, but rather facing and overcoming it.”

Let’s not be prisoners of fear.

Bahmani further noted, “From now on, we must be more vigilant and caring for ourselves, our loved ones, and those around us. It is essential to allow them to feel their fear and connect with it, but at the same time, learn not to be prisoners of fear. We need to understand that fear can be used as a useful warning to act better, reduce harm, and never surrender to circumstances.”

As a faculty member of the University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, he also highlighted the role of media in soft warfare, stating: “The enemy, in such conditions, attacks by terror, killing, and mental manipulation, aiming to capture the country from within; the goal is to dominate the nation psychologically. Just like a soldier who seeks shelter behind the trench during gunfire at the front lines, we must also protect ourselves from enemy media attacks and seek refuge behind the fortress of rationality.”

He identified media as the most important tool used by the enemy in the recent 12-day war and stated: “The enemy has exploited media to target the mindset of 90 million Iranians. We are responsible for choosing our news sources carefully. Media outlets like Iran International and similar channels are designed in a way that their effects resemble enemy bullets hitting directly into the minds of Iranian audiences.”

Dr. Bahmani emphasized at the end: “Even if we examine enemy media for analysis and research purposes, it should be done consciously and purposefully so that we can distinguish lies from reality. It is crucial to remember that these media outlets spread falsehoods. Still, their influence can be neutralized when we protect ourselves through rationality, media literacy, and an understanding of the situation.”