5 Ways You are Manipulated without your Notice

The society manipulates us without our notice. We tend to like or hate something because that's what we're told without questioning it. It may be unintentional, but your mind and actions are molded by these following situations. See how people and the society fool you.

1. People share stories and you undoubtedly believe them.

What's the problem with sharing stories? I know you have met people who love to share their life stories. It may be a story of achievement or their current situation. People love sharing things about themselves. They boast of their positions, their rackets and a lot more. While they share their stories, have you ever thought, are these even all true? Or are these sugar coated lies?

Before, I easily believe the stories of whom I'm talking to. I'm happy for them and nothing's wrong with that. However, things happened. I want to share what I experienced.

I had a bit of realization when I told a story to a friend. It was a story about how great my professor is. I told him detailed situations and he ended up adoring my professor. 

A few months later, we were still close and tells stories to each other. But, this time, his story was very familiar. It was about how great his professor is. He mentioned the very details I told him before. I was at a halt. How did he get a professor with the same details as mine? My conclusion is that, he completely forgot my story or he adored the character that he created his own reality with a different person in mind.

Another was a classmate. I told her I reviewed my high school lessons because we'll have a scholarship examination and it was hard because I forgot the basic rules of fractions. Of course, she reacted. A few hours later, we were both asked by another classmate about the incoming examination. Guess what happened. She said, "I'm having a hard time with fractions. I already forgot the rules." Telling like the story was hers. I frowned and told myself, "isn't that my story?" She said that not once, but twice to another friend.

My point here, there's a manipulation of facts. It's everywhere. Do not believe everything people say. Be cautious and observant. Sometimes, people forget things or sugarcoat stuff to make them look like the protagonist of their story. It is true that when you are the nth receiver of an unwritten information, it can be distorted, added and subtracted. 

Not all things people say are true. (You even need to consider this blog post. Believe it or not?). Think wisely. Choose which one to believe and which one to leave.

2. When Users try to Manipulate

People can manipulate you if you let them. If you have what they need, like money, intelligence, skill, power, or connections, you can be a target.

The easiest way they can do is to act as your friend. It's a common saying. "Not everyone is your friend". Be cautious of their extra kindness. Do not let them use you for their own gain. After all, friends do not "use" you. Not for exams, not for a ride, not for free lunch, and not for anything else. Observe how your friends talk about others. When people talk crap about someone behind their backs, there's a possibility that they do it to you, too. Choose your friends wisely.

3. Groups of people can manipulate you without you noticing

Do you believe the power of groups? When people buy a lot of stuff because it's on sale, you tend to buy, too. When people do crazy things, you somehow get influenced and think that it's alright to do it, too. When many people cheat, you give in and also cheat. 

You see, it's a world where you follow the trend and choose the decision of many. You get manipulated to like this music because everyone likes it. You get fooled that the iPhone is the best smartphone because everyone's crazy about it. You submit an application to companies and work your ass off for 8 hours. It's what you are told and what you have seen people do. You go where most people go.

Think again. It's not the trend. Being stuck in a crowd can lead you nowhere. Decide for your own. Realize what is it that really moves you and what you are passionate about. Follow it and it can lead you to somewhere you have never been before.

4. The Need to Belong leads you to be Manipulated by Society

To belong is a need. The feeling of having a group is inevitable. However, this works in a way that can be unfavorable for you. Stop. You don't need to be in a flock of doves who only make noise and nothing more. Go out and do your thing. If you do not like things, don't force yourself to like it. If they say you suck and you'll never amount to anything, then so be it. 

Belongingness is a need to feel secure. But, choose the band you want to belong to. Is it people who raise you up to grow? Or is it people who tell you to stop because you are no good? Do not listen to the comments of the society against you. They don't really care about your ways and hardships in life. They don't care until they see you achieve the dream. They don't support until you are on the top.

Have you watched the movie "Dangal", by Aamir Khan? It's tackles the struggles of a female wrestler to becoming an international champion. Watch it and see how dirty this society works for people who choose a different path just like the female protagonist. People may advice you a lot. But, when things go wrong, they turn their backs and make themselves clean. That's society.

 5. "Advices" can be a form of Manipulation

You have people you really respect, right? We all have, to the point that everything he says is sacred. You listen and try to mirror his ways and advices. It's not wrong to listen to them. It's a good thing that they share things to others. However, be cautious. A respected person's view may not work the same way with you.

I won't discredit the advices of your parents or the elderly or anyone you respect. Listen to them and respect them. But, keep in mind that their lives and experiences are different from yours. Example, when they say that writing is boring and can't produce you money, respect that. But, you don't necessarily apply that to your life. The elders and other people had a life they lived. You should also live yours. Do not be manipulated by mere opinions and personal stories. You have your own way.

These are ways how people are manipulated. Keep it in mind and take action. Thank you for reading and I hope this opens the mind people who feel lost. It's not you, it's the people that manipulated you in a way. Don't let them kill your passion, and creativity. Have it your way! God bless you all!