Question

Very many people who respond here on Quora claim to be bona fide psychologists and psychotherapists but they are so prolific (seem to be on Quora all the time)? How do they have time to work with clients?

Answer 1

Dark psychology tactics often involve first creating trust and then breaking it because this sequence plays on certain psychological vulnerabilities and manipulates human emotions and behavior more effectively. Here are some reasons why this tactic is used:

1. Establishing rapport: By initially creating a sense of trust and rapport, the manipulator can lower the victim's guard and make them more receptive to their influence. People are more likely to be persuaded by someone they perceive as trustworthy and likable.

2. Emotional investment: When trust is established, the victim becomes emotionally invested in the relationship or situation. This emotional investment can make it harder for the victim to recognize the manipulative tactics or question the manipulator's intentions later on.

3. Cognitive dissonance: Breaking trust after it has been established creates cognitive dissonance in the victim. Cognitive dissonance is the discomfort felt when there's a discrepancy between beliefs and actions. The victim may struggle to accept that the person they trusted could deceive or harm them, which can lead to confusion and vulnerability.

4. Dependency and control: The manipulator aims to create a sense of dependency in the victim. By destroying trust, the victim may feel the need to rely even more on the manipulator for guidance or support. This dependency strengthens the manipulator's control over the victim's thoughts and actions.

5. Gaslighting: Breaking trust and causing emotional turmoil allows the manipulator to gaslight the victim. Gaslighting is a tactic where the manipulator makes the victim question their own perception of reality and sanity. It further disempowers the victim and strengthens the manipulator's influence.

6. Triggering emotional responses: Breaking trust can elicit strong emotional reactions from the victim, such as anger, sadness, or fear. These heightened emotions can impair the victim's judgment and make them more susceptible to further manipulation.

It is crucial to be aware of these tactics to protect yourself from potential manipulators and to promote healthy and ethical communication and relationships. Building awareness of psychological manipulation can help individuals recognize when they are being targeted and respond appropriately to safeguard their well-being and autonomy.