--- 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. ⚡