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Gaslighting is over-simplified in most definitions and bc of that it is very often misunderstood. Gaslighting is a complex subject and those who have experienced it understand the limitations of its common definitions. Gaslighting is any attempt to manipulate a person’s >
perception or judgement of reality. This is commonly done by promoting lies as truth repeatedly, over and over. Like telling someone that something they enjoy was created with malice for the enjoyment of bad people and telling them this repeatedly over a period of time. >
What this does is makes someone question their understanding of reality, of truth. This is a manipulative tactic used against others with unfavorable differing opinions. Gaslighting is often used to convince someone they are mistaken in their understanding of something and that>
often includes their personal opinions/views. Equating a like for something to an affiliation with something bad and pushing this idea over and over again will eventually take its toll. The end goal is to change your opinions to match their own by deceiving and manipulating. >
While this is a tactic often associated with narcissists, it is a tactic just as commonly used by those seeking validation for their own views or opinions or by those who wish to gain power through manipulation of others. As I said, it is a complex subject and this only skims >
the surface. You don’t have to be a genius to gaslight someone. There isn’t a specific way one must gaslight. A relevant example: If your objective is to promote the idea that liking something means there is something wrong with you (this includes words like ‘brainwashed’>
or ‘uncultured’ or incinuations of a lower intellect/lack of critical thinking abilities/poor taste/immorality or implying associations with undesirable or villainous personality types) you’re attempting to gaslight someone.>
If someone ever says something that makes you question your own truth, be wary and keep your distance.
