Gaslighting
By
Published on August 31, 2025
What is Gaslighting?
Gaslighting is a form of psychological manipulation in which a person seeks to sow seeds of doubt in a victim’s mind, making them question their own memory, perception, and sanity. It’s often done subtly and gradually, making it difficult for the victim to recognize the abuse. In online contexts, gaslighting can manifest in manipulative messaging, online harassment, or coordinated efforts to discredit someone’s reputation or experiences. Examples include denying past events, twisting words to make a victim feel guilty, or creating situations designed to confuse and destabilize.
Q&A
How can you identify gaslighting online?
Look for patterns of behavior, such as someone consistently denying things you know happened, twisting your words to make you feel wrong, or trying to isolate you from your support network. If you feel confused or constantly questioning yourself, it’s a red flag.
What should you do if you think you are being gaslighted?
Trust your instincts. Seek support from trusted friends, family, or a therapist. Document instances of gaslighting with screenshots or recordings (where appropriate and legal). Consider limiting contact with the person engaging in this behavior.
Is gaslighting always intentional?
While often intentional, gaslighting can sometimes be a subconscious behavior stemming from unresolved personal issues or manipulative tendencies. However, intent does not diminish the harm caused.
{“@context”: “https://schema.org”, “@type”: “FAQPage”, “mainEntity”: [{“@type”: “Question”, “name”: “How can you identify gaslighting online?”, “acceptedAnswer”: {“@type”: “Answer”, “text”: “Look for patterns of behavior, such as someone consistently denying things you know happened, twisting your words to make you feel wrong, or trying to isolate you from your support network. If you feel confused or constantly questioning yourself, it’s a red flag.” } }, {“@type”: “Question”, “name”: “What should you do if you think you are being gaslighted?”, “acceptedAnswer”: {“@type”: “Answer”, “text”: “Trust your instincts. Seek support from trusted friends, family, or a therapist. Document instances of gaslighting with screenshots or recordings (where appropriate and legal). Consider limiting contact with the person engaging in this behavior.” } }, {“@type”: “Question”, “name”: “Is gaslighting always intentional?”, “acceptedAnswer”: {“@type”: “Answer”, “text”: “While often intentional, gaslighting can sometimes be a subconscious behavior stemming from unresolved personal issues or manipulative tendencies. However, intent does not diminish the harm caused.” } }]}