Manipulation - A Characteristic of Human Behavior

Abstract

According to the Dictionary of Sociology, manipulation is the action of causing a social actor (person, group, community, etc.) to think and act in a way compatible with the interests of the initiator, and not with his interests, by using techniques such as persuasion, which intentionally distorts the truth, leaving the impression of freedom of thought and decision. From a political point of view, manipulation is a form of imposing the interests of a class, group, collectivity not by coercive means, at the disposal of the power, but by misleading. Manipulations can be classified according to different criteria. One of the criteria is the use of changes made in a certain social situation. Deindividualization is a much simpler technique, but with equally shocking effects. In the sense of social psychology, deindividualization is defined as a feeling of loss of anonymity. The pressure of different types of manipulation can be felt in the most common sequences of life. The importance given to interpersonal relationships, obedience to group rules, the emotion produced by minor social rewards such as a smile, a compliment, or a friendly gesture, are precisely the effects of manipulation. " Despite the aggressive and destructive effects in the relationship that manipulation has, it is often used in the closest relationships, in which the emotions and beliefs of the other person matter for the well-being of the aggressor.