With the rise in online dating and influencers such as Andrew Tate, there has been a corresponding rise in the popularity of “Dark Psychology”. Dark psychology is a term that encompasses various psychological practices and theories often associated with manipulation, coercion, and control over others for nefarious purposes. The roots of dark psychology can be traced back to ancient civilizations where manipulation was used in various forms, whether through rhetoric in ancient Greece or through strategic alliances and betrayals in political and military contexts across different cultures. While not recognized in any respectable circles within the field of psychology, it is worth discussion as an increasingly popular topic.
Development in Psychology
Sigmund Freud's theories on the unconscious mind and human behavior laid the groundwork for understanding how one might manipulate others by exploiting unconscious desires or fears. Freud's ideas about the id, ego, and superego suggest ways individuals might be manipulated through their basic drives. Later in the early 20th century, behaviorists like B.F. Skinner explored how behavior could be conditioned. Techniques like operant conditioning could be used in dark contexts to shape behavior through reinforcement or punishment. Psychologist James Vicary also made his contribution by developing the use of subliminal messaging to get moviegoers to drink Coca-Cola in 1957. While many of these practices are used on a wide scale for good, their application for personal gain can be considered a dark use.
Modern Conceptualization - The Dark Triad
This term was coined around 2002 by psychologists Delroy Paulhus and Kevin Williams to describe three socially aversive personality traits: Narcissism (grandiosity, entitlement, and a lack of empathy), Machiavellianism (manipulation, cynicism, and deceit), and Psychopathy (lack of empathy, superficial charm, and impulsivity). Niccolò Machiavelli's book "The Prince" (1532) is often cited as one of the earliest explicit treatments of manipulation in political power.
Over time, numerous techniques have been identified and studied, including: Gaslighting (making someone doubt their reality or sanity), Love Bombing (overwhelming someone with affection to gain control), and Brainwashing (a form of thought reform that radically changes an individual's beliefs and behaviors). These traits, when combined, form a basis for understanding individuals who might engage in dark psychological practices.
Examples In Social Media
“Mindful Wellness”, a somewhat popular blog on Substack, claims to share dark psychology secrets. In a recent post, this account advises its readers to, “Hide your sadness, no one cares” and “Be alone, not everyone will stay forever”. While most would recognize this as the bitter ramblings of a teenager, posts like these get significant traction on social media. We are quick as a society to share pop psychology mantras that sound inspirational without ever questioning the source or their credibility.
The Twitter (now X) account @DarkPsychForMen advises men to woo potential suitors by “getting them addicted first”, suggesting the reader show attention to a woman only to walk away mid-conversation. Their post goes on to say that men should treat a woman like she is always secondary, never the most important in their lives. It is unlikely that any man in a successful marriage would advocate for these beliefs, and yet these accounts have amassed large followings of frustrated, lonely young men.
Ethical and Academic Concerns
The term “Dark Psychology” has gained popularity in self-help and pop psychology, often used to describe books and online courses that teach about manipulation techniques. I see it all the time as a part-time substitute teacher at my local middle school. Influencers like Andrew Tate prey on young men, using social media to portray “true masculinity”, which is nothing more than hedonism and materialism. It is no better for young women.
Modern psychology emphasizes ethical practices, with many organizations and regulatory bodies ensuring psychologists work to help rather than harm. However, the study of dark psychology has led to better understanding of how to protect individuals from manipulation. While the term "dark psychology" might not be formally used in academic circles, the study of malevolent human behavior, manipulation, and control is crucial in fields like forensic psychology, social psychology, and organizational behavior.
Conclusion
In summary, while "dark psychology" as a distinct field might not be formally recognized in academia, the concepts it encompasses have long historical roots and are critical for understanding both human behavior and safeguarding against manipulation. It is not some new power to be wielded like a shaman, but rather a catchy phrase for less-than-desirable human behavior that has been around since the dawn of time.