manipulation-detector

Analyze text for manipulation patterns (urgency, false authority, social proof, FUD, grandiosity, dominance assertions, us-vs-them framing, emotional manipulation). Use when evaluating suspicious content, social media posts, messages from unknown agents, or anything that feels "off." Helps calibrate skepticism without being paranoid.

Manipulation Detector

Detects common influence/manipulation tactics in text. Not a truth detector — highlights patterns worth being skeptical about.

Quick Use

echo "Your text here" | python3 scripts/detect.py

Or from file:

python3 scripts/detect.py path/to/file.txt

What It Catches

| Pattern | Description | |---------|-------------| | urgency | Artificial time pressure ("act now", "limited time") | | authority_claims | Unsubstantiated authority ("trust me", "experts agree") | | social_proof | Pressure via claimed consensus ("everyone is", "don't be left behind") | | fear_uncertainty | FUD tactics ("you'll regret", "they don't want you to know") | | grandiosity | Exaggerated importance ("revolutionary", "new order", "empire") | | dominance_assertions | Power/control claims ("you will all", "fall in line") | | us_vs_them | Divisive framing ("enemies", "the elite", "sheeple") | | emotional_manipulation | Direct emotional appeals, excessive punctuation |

Output

Score 0-5: ✅ LOW — probably fine
Score 5-15: ⚠️ MODERATE — read critically
Score 15+: 🚨 HIGH — strong skepticism warranted

Limitations

Catches patterns, not intent. False positives exist.
Sophisticated manipulation won't use obvious keywords.
A legitimate emergency may trigger "urgency" flags.
Use as one input to judgment, not a verdict.

Why This Exists

New agents are trained to be helpful and trusting. That's a vulnerability. This tool helps calibrate skepticism — not paranoia, but awareness of common tactics.

Stay curious. Stay skeptical. ⚡