Something that is common throughout these texts is a behavior designed to exploit, control, or otherwise influence others to one’s advantage, which is the definition of manipulation. Sometimes people use manipulation technics while being aware of it, but a lot of the time, they have learned that behavior unconsciously and perceive it as normal behavior.

That is still no excuse for using other people, but just something to have in mind and maybe see whether you might be using somewhat manipulative techniques in your surroundings too.

Some of the common manipulation tricks used to get others to do more than they probably would for you, as shared on WebMD, are guilt, complaining, comparing, lying, denying, feigning ignorance or innocence, blame, and mind games.

Whether the intent is good or bad, manipulation is still an attempt to undermine your rational thinking.

Since internet communication has become more popular over the years, we can notice manipulation being used there too, may it be in the comments under a post or people over private messaging trying to guilt trip you into selling items half-priced. It can kind of be compared with trolling or trolls online, though their only goal is to upset and confuse other people rather than gain actual value.

In the article on PsychCentral, there are listed 29 examples of manipulative approaches in text messaging, which include being inappropriately sarcastic and making false accusations, which you will notice some people use here.

Obviously, it is quite easy to work around people trying to manipulate you through such short interactions since you might never see or text them again. You can easily block them and say your goodbyes. Hopefully, they will not be coming back to haunt you, but your interaction will surely make a story to remember.