Psychologists Reveal 7 Ways We Can Be Tricked Into Doing What Others Want

Picture yourself buying that 100th pair of shoes despite not needing them or ending up babysitting the neighbors’ kids instead of going to the movies. It’s likely because you might not realize how often people use manipulative tricks on us. Find out seven ways you can be tricked into doing what others want.

1. “But all your friends are doing it.”

There is a whole science about how to get someone to buy a thing when he/she doesn’t need it. Shop assistants often pay attention to the appearance and the social group of the client. So if you are a student, a working mom or a housewife, they will say that “everyone like you buys such dresses”!

That`s how Instagram paid promotions work — you follow people more or less like you, and they promote something — you feel left out and need what they have.

2. “Aim lower” method

There’s a marketing method that says if you get a no, ask again, but make the request smaller and softer or even do something that looks like a favor for the person, and your chances of hearing yes will increase greatly.

For example, if a coworker asks you for $100, the chances of hearing yes are low. But if he asks you for a lower amount, let’s say $30, and he promises to give it back in a week — the chances are much higher.

3. A personal touch

Researchers from Sam Houston State University found that study participants were more likely to agree to fill in a survey if it included a handwritten message asking for their help. “This speaks to the importance of a personal touch,” Jephtha Tausig-Edwards, a clinical psychologist practicing in New York and Massachusetts, says.

So when the seller asks you for your name, what you do for a living, or who you’re buying things for — they’re trying to create a connection, to seem like a caring person, because it makes the selling process easier.

4. Constant approach

According to researchers from Stanford University, people feel uncomfortable when they turn the same person down several times. So if you decline a request, and then the same person approaches you later with a different request, you’re more likely to agree! That`s because you feel guilty or you feel that you let them down the first time, the researchers explain.

5. Promising profits

Researchers from Germany found out that people are more likely to agree to something if they hear a personal profit in the request. This trick is often used by people who are pursuing their own selfish goals. So it’s important to be able to distinguish the really profitable offers or sincere requests of friends from people who are trying to fool you.

6. You can always say “No.”

There’s definite power in giving someone the choice to say no. Reminding them that they have freedom and that they`re not a hostage is also a very well-known trick. If you hear “You don`t have to” or “This looks great on you, but it’s up to you to decide.” Psychologists explain that this technique reminds you about your freedom, makes you feel comfortable, and doubles the chances that you will say yes.

7. The 3 “Yes” trick

There’s a well-known technique you can use if you want a person to say yes, ask at least 2 small questions that you know you’ll get a positive answer to — and then ask the same person for a favor! As psychologists say, we stick to our values and behavior and we’re driven to remain committed to things, answering positively to more and more requests. If you find yourself saying yes to more and more things — they’ve got you on the hook.

Some tricks can teach your children to listen to you as well. Check them out here.