Covert Manipulation vs. Manipulation

Attribute	Covert Manipulation	Manipulation
Definition	Manipulation that is done in a secretive or hidden manner	Control or influence someone or something in a skillful or devious way
Intent	To achieve a desired outcome without the target's awareness	To control or influence someone for personal gain or advantage
Visibility	Not easily detectable by the target	May be more overt or obvious to the target
Techniques	Subtle manipulation tactics, psychological tricks, gaslighting	Emotional manipulation, guilt-tripping, lying, deception
Impact	Can lead to confusion, self-doubt, and feeling of being controlled	Can result in emotional harm, loss of trust, and damaged relationships

Definition

Manipulation is the act of influencing someone to do something that benefits the manipulator, often at the expense of the person being manipulated. It can involve deception, coercion, or other underhanded tactics to achieve the desired outcome. Covert manipulation, on the other hand, is a more subtle form of manipulation that is not immediately apparent to the person being manipulated. It involves using subtle cues, manipulation techniques, and psychological tactics to influence someone without their awareness.

Techniques

Manipulation often involves overt tactics such as lying, guilt-tripping, gaslighting, or threatening to achieve the desired outcome. These tactics are usually more direct and can be easily recognized by the person being manipulated. Covert manipulation, on the other hand, relies on more subtle techniques such as manipulation through flattery, passive-aggressive behavior, or subtle manipulation through body language and tone of voice. These techniques are less obvious and can be harder to detect.

Intent

The intent behind manipulation is usually to control or influence someone for personal gain, whether it be to get what the manipulator wants, to maintain power or control over the person being manipulated, or to fulfill some other selfish motive. Covert manipulation, however, may not always have malicious intent. It can be used to influence someone for their own good, to protect them from harm, or to guide them towards a positive outcome without them realizing it.

Impact

Manipulation can have a negative impact on the person being manipulated, leading to feelings of betrayal, mistrust, and resentment. It can damage relationships and erode trust between individuals. Covert manipulation, on the other hand, may not always have a negative impact. If used ethically and with good intentions, it can help guide someone towards a positive outcome without causing harm or resentment.

Recognition

Manipulation is often easier to recognize due to its overt and direct nature. The person being manipulated may be able to identify the tactics being used and take steps to protect themselves from further manipulation. Covert manipulation, however, can be harder to recognize as it is more subtle and may not be immediately apparent. The person being manipulated may not realize they are being influenced until it is too late.

Ethics

Manipulation is often seen as unethical due to its deceptive and coercive nature. It involves taking advantage of someone for personal gain and can be harmful to the person being manipulated. Covert manipulation, on the other hand, may be seen as more ethical if used for positive purposes and with good intentions. It can be a tool for guiding someone towards a positive outcome without causing harm or deception.

Conclusion

While both manipulation and covert manipulation involve influencing someone for personal gain, they differ in their tactics, intent, impact, recognition, and ethics. Manipulation is often more direct and overt, while covert manipulation is more subtle and less apparent. Both can have negative consequences if used unethically, but covert manipulation may have the potential for positive outcomes if used with good intentions. It is important to be aware of these differences and to use influence and persuasion techniques responsibly and ethically.