Are You Susceptible to Framing?
Manipulative people ‘frame’ the narrative to suit their agenda, distorting others’ perceptions for their own advantage and benefit
Framing the narrative is a strategic method used to manipulate others' perception of reality, persuading them to agree with it—often without their awareness. It’s not just a form of manipulation but also persuasion.
Framing the Narrative is a Manipulation Tool
Luckily, my DNA shows that I’m less susceptible to framing. I agree, as I tend to see through manipulative people and have taken big risks calling them out. Whenever I do, I’ve usually been portrayed as the alleged abuser, especially by those determined to win at any cost, and lack morals. I don’t know how common this trait is — questioning someone’s motives and/or not accepting what could be manipulative harmful behavior. I tend to spot dishonesty and dislike dealing with dishonest people, such as those who deliberately lie, deceive, manipulate, troll, etc. They do things under the guise of something else, and their agenda is one-sided. Such people shut down any diverse discourse that differs from the narrative and operates in a way that becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy, to prove they are right. It’s like karma - they attract what they give out, which is toxicity.
Recognising Narcissistic Abuse
I recognize narcissistic abusers, and to me, it’s obvious but not to everyone. So essentially they manipulate the emotions of others, and anyone who calls out potential weaknesses or flaws is immediately shut down. We all know people like this, right?
I recognize narcissistic abusers, and to me, it's obvious but not to everyone. So essentially they manipulate the emotions of others, and anyone who calls out potential weaknesses or flaws is immediately shut down. We all know people like this, right? They manipulate center stage, framing their narrative to their advantage, and may have certain beliefs that guide all interactions with them (ie) they depict others as abusive to them, they've suffered a lifetime of abuse and they project this onto others, as well as their flaws, never taking responsibility. They frame themselves as victims.
How Narcissists Frame The Narrative And Influence Others' Perceptions
Narcissists use framing to control how others perceive them, often to maintain superiority that benefits them. The framing effect refers to how information is presented. Narcissists use this tool to manipulate others' perceptions and their decisions (ie) to favor, praise, like them, etc. They often play 'one-upmanship' games to elevate their importance, skills, and superiority, and downplay others by calling out their weaknesses. They may not do this at the same time, but it will be across the board. They 'frame' the narrative, so it won't be obvious what their agenda is.
Maintaining The Framed Narrative
They will select the best glowing accounts of how 'talented' and super smart they are while leaving out information that might contradict that. Their narrative will be framed to uphold this cognitive bias, hence shutting down dissent and differences, also 'framing' them in negative ways (ie) those who disagree are crazy, sick, malicious, losers, etc. They will frame and present the information in such a biased way, to reinforce their narrative. This ability to select and frame information is a skill they use to such a degree, that they are never questioned or disputed. Their ability to do this, however, is represented as being their exceptional skills and talents, which only a few people have. Their egotism is sickening.
Victim Framing
Narcissists portray themselves as victims in situations, even though it's often them causing the harm. They can portray themselves as perpetual victims of abuse. No one has ever endured abuse like them, despite they've no idea of anyone else's past. Their abuse alone is the most important thing and in this way, they 'frame' others to be abusers, if they don't agree with the narcissist and if they won't let them control. Framing themselves as victims of abuse allows them to focus away from their own flaws and weaknesses, and others' perceptions to gain advantage and sympathy, and avoid scrutiny.
That's why they shut down any attempt to discuss differences, etc. It's a threat to their narrative. They can't allow it. They present themselves as innocent and discredit those who challenge them by portraying them in a very negative light. Their true selves are then revealed. They hate those who challenge them, saying they are jealous of their achievements and successes, and berating them as useless and losers. They claim they are so intelligent and talented that they are just misunderstood, hence making excuses for their behavior and avoiding accountability. In real life, sadly I've experienced this, on more than one occasion, and just recently online also, to my horror.
Narcissism as a Personality Disorder
Narcissism is a personality disorder and those afflicted lack empathy, care, and compassion. They view people as objects, as a means to an end, and cannot empathize and some don't even believe in empathy (not surprising, as they lack it so much!). They cannot emotionally connect with others, only on the most basic level, if at all. They hide their intentions and will 'frame' others' perceptions of them (ie) they want others to know how special, talented, and brilliant they are, and will stop at nothing to achieve this perception, often going to extreme levels to testify to their greatness and 'prove' to the world who they are. This is a form of intimidation, as it presents information in a specific biased form, that forces others to recognize their greatness, which they believe is indisputable.
Insecurity and Narcissism
Only extremely insecure people with a fragile ego would go to such extremes as to seek constant external validation. This 'framing effect' is often very practical and many who are susceptible to it will not look beyond the surface and will accept what they see. They won't question the framed narrative and know if they do, they will be shut down, as narcissists cannot bear scrutiny or exposure. It threatens their cognitive biases and they can never have that. They are very insecure individuals. Their talents and skills are separate from their personality, but their personality causes trouble, not their skills and talents.
No matter how brilliant someone is, if they mistreat others, shut them down, manipulate, berate, constantly act superior, and require constant affirmation of their greatness, their personality defects overshadow their achievements and strengths. It's their Achilles' heel and weakness. They spend their entire lives hiding this from others, with some degree of success but not always. They are known as vulnerable narcissists but use covert tactics rather than overt. They spend their entire lives hiding this from others, with some degree of success but not always. They are known as vulnerable narcissists but use covert tactics rather than overt.
Narcissistic Abuse: Power and Control
Narcissists control and frame the narrative to gain power, control, and validation. They show a distorted image of themselves that showcases their strengths but minimizes their faults, wanting to be seen as superior, special, and talented, like no other being on the planet. They're truly in a class of their own , so they think! They've learned this, and often do have fascinating backgrounds and successes, but this isn't the full picture of who they are. Someone's achievement is not the person or individual.
It's crucial to recognize narcissistic abuse and protect yourself against these individuals. They are often greatly admired, and this can make it more difficult to understand just how toxic they are. I would even say, dangerous. To me it's clear when someone has a very high narcissistic tendency, to others it may not be clear. We've all got some degree of narcissism, but the people I'm talking about are those who have it to an extreme degree, that could be clinical, and they can be quite dangerous people to interact at all with. Keeping a safe distance from such people is essential to maintaining control of one's mind and mental health. True power comes from empowering others, not by elevating oneself, berating, and destroying the confidence of others. That's what narcissists do.
👇 🤔 What Do You Think About Narcissism? Let Me Know. 🤔👇
Can you recognize narcissistic abusive behaviors easily?
Framing is a common manipulative tactic used by narcissists. Have you come across this?
References:
Are they a narcissist or just a selfish jerk - telling the difference
How to stop an argument with a narcissist from spinning out of control
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