It seems I have succumbed to the laziness that A.I models afford the casual user, where asking it to reply for me is preferable over typing on a very small screen whilst I doom scroll my morning away. I’m feeling a lot like those characters in the film UP, strapped to mobility chairs, staring at screens.
Anywho, I asked to explain what Gaslighting is, where the phrase came from and some examples of gaslighting in the real world.
All of which I could have typed out myself rather than explaining my laziness…
Quote:
## Meaning of Gaslighting
Gaslighting is a form of psychological manipulation in which one person seeks to make another doubt their own perceptions, memories, or sanity. The gaslighter achieves this by persistently denying facts, twisting reality, or dismissing the victim’s feelings and experiences, often leading the victim to become confused, anxious, and dependent on the abuser’s version of reality[1][14][16].
## Origins of the Term
The term "gaslighting" originates from the 1938 British play *Gas Light* by Patrick Hamilton, later adapted into films in 1940 (UK) and 1944 (US)[1][2][12]. In these stories, a husband manipulates his wife by secretly dimming the gas lights in their home and then denying any change when she notices, insisting she is imagining things. His goal is to make her doubt her sanity so he can control her and steal from her[1][2][14]. The term entered psychological and popular discourse decades later, especially from the mid-2010s onward[1][12].
## Practical Examples of Gaslighting
Gaslighting can occur in various contexts, including romantic relationships, workplaces, friendships, and even politics. Here are some real-world examples:
**1. In Romantic Relationships**
- A partner cheats but insists, “You’re imagining things. I’d never do that,” when confronted with evidence[5][13][15].
- Repeatedly telling someone, “You’re too sensitive” or “You’re overreacting,” to invalidate their feelings[5][11][15].
- Denying abusive events occurred: “That never happened. You’re making it up”[13][15].
**2. At Work**
- A manager claims not to have received a report that was delivered, causing the employee to question their memory[6][13].
- A colleague borrows items and denies it, making you wonder if you misplaced them[6].
- Downplaying your achievements or concerns, e.g., “You’re just stressed. Not everyone can handle new responsibilities,” to undermine confidence[6][13].
**3. In Friendships**
- A friend moves your belongings and then insists you’re forgetful or careless when you notice[9][15].
- They deny saying hurtful things, insisting, “You must have misunderstood me,” even when you recall the conversation clearly[15].
**4. In Politics**
- Politicians denying well-documented events or shifting blame for failures, causing the public to question verified facts[7].
- Spreading misinformation and attacking critics’ credibility to erode public trust in objective reality[7].
**5. Common Tactics**
- Withholding information or pretending not to understand the reason for a conversation to avoid accountability[11].
- Projecting their own negative behaviors onto the victim, such as accusing them of lying or cheating when the gaslighter is actually the one doing so[15].
- Isolating victims from friends or family to increase dependence on the gaslighter’s version of reality[14].