Jason Art - MANIPULATION AND DARK PSYCHOLOGY: Second Edition: More Than 31 Practical Strategies to Defend Yourself From Manipulators | Learn How Persuasion Works and ... to Use It in Your Life + BONUS:Gaslighting

MANIPULATION AND DARK PSYCHOLOGY

Second Edition: More Than Practical Strategies to Defend Yourself From Manipulators|Learn How Persuasion Works and How to Use It in Your Life + BONUS: Gaslighting

JASON ART

Table of Contents

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INTRODUCTION

Dark psychology is often defined as the study of a human condition relating to the psychological nature of humans to prey on others. Humans have the potential of victimizing others as well as living creatures. Although some people will exercise restraint, others act on their impulses. Thus, dark psychology tries to understand the percep- tions, feelings, and thoughts that result in predatory human behav- ior.

In this book, we will look at several of the most commonly used tech- niques of the abusive personality types, and from there, we will spend time discussing how several of them can be used in a wider context, allowing for their usages during day-to-day interactions.

Unfortunately, for most people, you never really know that someone is preying on you until its almost too late. Dark psychology makes an attempt at understanding the perceptions, feelings, thoughts as well as subjective processing systems that result in predatory behavior that is antithetical to the modern-day understanding of human be- havior. Its assumed that 99.99% of the time, the motivation behind dark psychology is rational, purposive, and goal-oriented. This means that dark psychology is always present in the world as many people use tactics such as lying, persuasion, withholding love, and manip- ulation to get what they want. In most instances, these tactics are

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successful because they can read your mind. Thus, you can choose to either remain ignorant, live in denial and risk being a victim, or learn how you can protect yourself from psychological exploitation. When you understand the principles and ideas behind dark psychology, you will be better prepared to protect yourself from manipulation.

We will look into how these particular tactics impact the person that is being subjected to them. Some of these techniques work through instilling feelings in other people, knowing that emotions are incredi- bly motivating.

Common Dark Psychology Tactics

Dark psychology tactics may be overt or subtle. The most common tactics that most practitioners use are:

Reverse Psychology

When you employ this tactic, you will tell someone to do one thing, yet you know for sure that theyll do the opposite. Its this opposite action that a manipulator intended to happen.

Manipulative Vocabulary

When a manipulator uses this tactic, they will introduce into the conversation words that are common and have commonly accepted meanings to both parties, only for them to turn around later and tell you that they meant something else when using that word. The new meaning will in most cases change the definition making the conver-

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sation go in favor of the manipulator, even though you were tricked.

Restricting Choices

A manipulator who uses this tactic will limit your choices so that you get distracted from choices that you shouldnt pick.

Oversimplification

Its common for manipulators to oversimplify things, turning simple agreements into moral judgments and even casting themselves as angels. In such cases, you will hear them use phrases like Id never be able to forgive myself if I did what you did. Such statements will generally simplify a right or a wrong situation so that youre deemed to be unreasonable if you challenge their position. They dont accom- modate or even acknowledge an alternate interpretation.

Withdrawal

Here, the manipulator will avoid you or give you silent treatment until you fulfill what they want from you.

Self-centeredness

Dark psychology manipulators tend to have a way of refocusing the center of an argument in their favor. Its common for them to say things like I would never do that to you while overlooking the com- plexity of the situation at hand. Some of the common words that show the tendency to overgeneralize include always and never that

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make it appear like a rule.

Love Denial

This is often difficult because the manipulator will make you feel abandoned or lost. It involves withholding love and affection until they get what they want from you.

Lying

This is surprising yet its a common tactic among most manipula- tors. They will go to any length to lie about a situation. This could be through exaggerated or partial truth with the aim of getting you to act in a certain way.

Love Flooding

This usually involves complimenting, praising, or buttering up people in order for them to agree to your request. Love flooding often makes the victim feel good so that theyre more likely to do something theyd otherwise have declined. You may also use this tactic to make some- one feel theyre attached to you, so that they do the things theyd normally not do.

Who Uses Dark Psychology?

Dark psychology is not only prevalent in romantic relationships. You will be surprised to know that its also applicable within the public space as it can be used to get a desired response. Some of the people

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who commonly use these tactics include the following:

Sociopaths

One thing about sociopaths is that theyre always charming, intelli- gent, and persuasive. What you dont know is that the motivation be- hind this is to get what they want. You will be surprised to know that they are often not emotional, and they dont feel any remorse. This explains why they are able to use dark psychology just to get what they want, even if it means forming superficial relationships.

Narcissists

Narcissists have a bloated idea of self-worth; hence, they thrive on making you believe theyre superior. Such people will not shy away from using dark psychology and persuasion just to meet their desire to be adored and worshipped by everyone.

Politicians

Politicians employ dark psychology to convince the electorate to vote for them, not their opponent. They do this by making you believe that only their point of view is right.

Leaders

Just like politicians, many leaders have used dark psychology tactics to rally their subordinates, citizens, and even team members to do what they want.