Mind Control Techniques to Be Aware Of

In a previous article, we discussed psychological manipulation in interpersonal relationships, explained the difference between a manipulator and an influencer, and mentioned some risk factors, or emotional hot buttons, that can make a person more susceptible to manipulation. We also discussed some signs and symptoms that may suggest you are in an emotionally abusive relationship.

In this article, we are going to look at some mind manipulation techniques that have traditionally been used not only by ordinary people in interpersonal relationships but also in groups.

Isolation

Physical isolation can be very powerful. But even when physical isolation is impossible or impractical, manipulators will usually try to isolate you mentally.

This can be done in several ways, from week-long seminars in the countryside to constant criticism of your family and circle of friends. The ultimate goal is to limit outside influence by controlling the flow of information.

Criticism

Criticism may also be used as an isolation tool.

Manipulators often speak in “us-versus-them” terms. They criticize the outside world and claim their own superiority. In their view, you should consider yourself lucky to be associated with them.

Social Proof and Peer Pressure

Anyone trying to manipulate a large group of people will often use social proof and peer pressure to influence newcomers.

Social proof is a psychological phenomenon where some people assume that the actions and beliefs of others are appropriate. Because “everyone does that,” they begin to feel that it must be justified.

This works especially well when a person is not sure what to think, how to behave, or what to do. Many people in such situations will simply look at what others are doing and do the same.

Fear of Alienation

Newcomers to manipulative groups usually receive a warm welcome.

They may form many new friendships that seem much deeper and more meaningful than anything they have experienced before.

Later, if doubts arise, these relationships may become a powerful tool to keep them in the group. Even if they are not entirely convinced anymore, life outside the group may seem lonely.

Repetition

Constant repetition is another powerful persuasion tool.

It sounds almost too simple to work, but repeating the same message makes it familiar and easier to remember. Combined with social proof, repetition can deliver a message very effectively.

The existence of affirmations as a self-improvement technique is another example of how repetition can work. If you can influence yourself through repetition, chances are someone else can do the same to you.

Fatigue

Fatigue and sleep deprivation wear you down physically and mentally. You are usually more susceptible to persuasion when you are physically tired and less alert.

A study mentioned in the Journal of Experimental Psychology showed that people who had gone without sleep for just 21 hours were more susceptible to suggestion.

Forming a New Identity

Ultimately, manipulators want to redefine your identity. They want you to stop being yourself and become someone who mindlessly follows their orders.

Using all the methods and mind manipulation techniques mentioned above, they may try to extract a confession from you — some form of acknowledgment that you believe they are good people doing a good thing. Slight variations are possible, of course.

At first, it might be something seemingly insignificant, such as agreeing that group members are fun and loving people or that some of their views are valid.

Once you accept that one little thing, you may become more ready to accept other ideas too.

Before you know it, out of the desire to stay consistent with what you have said and done, you may begin to identify as one of the group.

This can be particularly powerful if you know that your confessions were recorded or filmed. Just in case you forget, there is physical proof of your new identity.

After reading this, you may wonder about the “groups” in your life. Are they manipulating you?

Let’s pretend you joined Greenpeace. It all started with a small donation, then some fun event with lots of new friends, and before you know it, you are sitting in a little boat protesting Shell’s drilling in a polar region while your education and career are put on hold.

What happened here? Did Greenpeace manipulate you into doing this?

No. They influenced you.

While they got you to do something you might never have considered before, Greenpeace does not use you for personal advantage. They asked you to do what they believe is right, although opinions may vary, and you agreed. No one is exploiting you for personal gain.

Compare that to a controlling karate coach who is verbally and physically abusive toward his students and expects total admiration and obedience in return.

He makes them feel as if they are the only group of people who are about to learn some special secret that will put both Terminator and Rambo to shame.

Whether he is in it for the money or simply craves control, he is clearly using the mind manipulation techniques mentioned above.

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