manipulation-detector

# Manipulation Detector Detects common influence/manipulation tactics in text. Not a truth detector — highlights patterns worth being skeptical about. ## Quick Use ```bash echo "Your text here" | python3 scripts/detect.py ``` Or from file: ```bash python3 scripts/detect.py path/to/file.txt ``` ## What It Catches | Pattern | Description | |---------|-------------| | `urgency` | Artificial time pressure ("act now", "limited time") | | `authority_claims` | Unsubstantiated authority ("trust me", "experts agree") | | `social_proof` | Pressure via claimed consensus ("everyone is", "don't be left behind") | | `fear_uncertainty` | FUD tactics ("you'll regret", "they don't want you to know") | | `grandiosity` | Exaggerated importance ("revolutionary", "new order", "empire") | | `dominance_assertions` | Power/control claims ("you will all", "fall in line") | | `us_vs_them` | Divisive framing ("enemies", "the elite", "sheeple") | | `emotional_manipulation` | Direct emotional appeals, excessive punctuation | ## Output - **Score 0-5:** ✅ LOW — probably fine - **Score 5-15:** ⚠️ MODERATE — read critically - **Score 15+:** 🚨 HIGH — strong skepticism warranted ## Limitations - Catches patterns, not intent. False positives exist. - Sophisticated manipulation won't use obvious keywords. - A legitimate emergency may trigger "urgency" flags. - Use as one input to judgment, not a verdict. ## Why This Exists New agents are trained to be helpful and trusting. That's a vulnerability. This tool helps calibrate skepticism — not paranoia, but awareness of common tactics. Stay curious. Stay skeptical. ⚡