Detect
Manipulation Awareness
Competence
What I can do; capability; mastery; understanding.
Autonomy
My choices; agency; being myself without masking.
Relatedness
Belonging; connection; love; "we are together".
Dignity
Respect; fair treatment; freedom from shame; being seen.
Safety
Freedom from danger; physical/emotional security; comfort.
Detection Summary
Think of a situation that felt off. Which of your CARDS were pushed?
How does this work?
Detect helps you notice when your CARDS are being played. It asks: which of my needs were targeted?
How to Play
- Think of a situation that felt off — an advert, a pitch, social pressure, a conversation that left you unsettled.
- Check: "Which of my CARDS got pushed into Red — or artificially into Green?"
- Ask: "Who benefits if I buy, join, believe, do, or share this?"
The Core Rule
If your CARDS change very fast — stop, wait, and check.
When to Use
- When you feel sudden urgency to act
- When something sounds too good to be true
- When you feel ashamed, afraid, or singled out for special treatment
- When you notice yourself about to act without thinking
What It Reveals
Manipulation works by targeting your needs. Advertising targets Safety (fear) and Relatedness (belonging). Social pressure targets Relatedness (exclusion) and Dignity (shame). Scams target Competence (you've been selected!) and Safety (act now!). This routine helps you see the pattern.
For the full Manipulation Detection Protocol, see the educational page.