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. ⚡