| name | manipulation-detector |
| description | 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. ⚡
