Wikipedia tells us that “Psychological Manipulation is a type of social influence that aims to change
the perception or behavior of others through underhanded, deceptive, or even abusive tactics”. There are many labels for this type of behavior, each can have small differences in the definitions,
and many variations in how it is done. This first article will cover the general explanation, future
articles will cover some of the variations.
Manipulation is generally done in order to force a person's will upon someone else, or upon a whole
group. It can at times be done to help such as in medical uses, or it can be done to harm by various
types of people or groups. There are even occasions where the manipulator has no idea that they are
even doing this.
This type of behavior is used by psychopaths, politicians, religious leaders, governments, doctors,
media of all sorts, cult leaders, armed services just to name a few. It is done through many methods
including group meetings, one- on- one personal meetings, internet, television, radio, printed media of
all types, music, loudspeakers and many others. Manipulation can be emotional, verbal or physical.
When it comes to brainwashing, one type of manipulation, the author of “The Battle For Your
Mind”, Dick Sutphen, states that “In the entire history of man, no one has ever been brainwashed, and realized, or believed, that he had been brainwashed.” The opposite extreme would be prisoners of war that know very well that they are being manipulated. We will cover this in more detail in future articles.
When it comes to who can be considered a potential victim of manipulative assault, the answer varies with what type of manipulation is being done. Basically one type person is often a “seeker” or a “true believer” trying to find a bandwagon or person to attach themselves to. They are looking outside of themselves for what can only be found within. I will cover the types of victims in each individual article according to the type of manipulation.
How can one protect themselves from these people? Basically, through awareness, and knowledge of the methods used. This I will give you and is the reason for these articles. An informed public is a much safer public.
