1. The principle of reciprocal exchange
When we are unexpectedly given something or a service for free, we start to feel indebted. Do you know the feeling? This is one of the principles that managers and marketers use.
If you feel like you've been given something for your own benefit, you don't owe anyone anything in return. Even if they give you the keys to a new car.
2. The principle of liking
When a beautiful girl (or guy) asks you for something, it's much harder to say no, isn't it? But not all white and fluffy on the outside are the same on the inside. Can you imagine that behind the pleasant "shell" hides an experienced scammer or manipulator?
To avoid falling under their spell, ask yourself, would you fulfill the same request from a less nice person? If not, say good day and go about your business.
3. Principle of authority
A prime example of this principle is "bloggers" who pop up in your social media feed and offer easy earnings. Of course, their ads include expensive cars, branded clothes and expensive watches. But everything falls apart when you find out that the car is for rent, and everything else is just Chinese copies.
To avoid getting hooked by a fraudulent authority figure, ask yourself a few questions:
Hopefully, they'll help you ferret out the deceivers.
4. The scarcity principle
You probably already know it by the words "today only" or "limited offer". There's also "unique design" and "you'll only have this one." In other words, we often chase after what others don't have.
To avoid manipulation, ask yourself:
Everything will immediately fall into place.
5. The Principle of Social Proof
Robert Cialdini, author of The Psychology of Influence, writes that we often do the same things other people do in similar situations. That's how human nature works. But when we do, we are easily deceived. Avoiding this is not as hard as it seems. To do so, you need to work on your self-esteem so that you have your own opinions and don't go along with others.
6. The principle of consistency
This is also a common psychological trap. Imagine that in a store a customer talks to the manager for a long time and agrees to the deal. And when just before the payment he begins to have doubts that he really needs it, he transfers the money anyway.
This happens because many people are afraid to act inconsistently, so as not to seem strange or stupid. But you don't have to think about that if you don't want to get an unnecessary product or service. Get the stereotypes out of your head!
You can forget everything you just read and stand still. Or you can retain useful information in your memory and apply it to your life. What do you think?
This was a review of the book "Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion" by Robert Cialdini.