#Gaslighting

A new theoretical model from researchers at McGill University and the University of Toronto reframes gaslighting as a learned manipulation strategy rather than a mysterious personality flaw. The study suggests that gaslighters exploit the brain’s natural learning mechanisms to gradually erode a target’s confidence in their own perceptions. In practical terms, this means gaslighting can unfold as a subtle, repeated pattern that shifts what someone believes about what is real, who is trustworthy, and where blame belongs. The lead author explains that when you trust or love somebody, you expect them to behave in a predictable way; gaslighters act in an atypical, surprising manner and use that surprise to direct the learning of the people they target. This framing marks a shift from purely emotional abuse toward a cognitive process that can, in principle, be understood, anticipated, and countered.

New research and firsthand accounts show that people who faced gaslighting in childhood often become adept at spotting manipulation. As conversations about psychological abuse grow in Thailand and around the world, survivors’ insights help explain coping strategies and protective steps.

Gaslighting is manipulation that makes someone doubt their own reality, memory, or perceptions. In Thailand, where family harmony and saving face are valued, such abuse often unfolds quietly and leaves lasting effects that are hard to address openly.

A new wave of psychological research and personal reporting highlights a compelling reality: individuals who grew up amidst gaslighting are exceptionally adept at detecting subtle manipulation tactics—often before others are even aware. As this form of psychological abuse becomes more openly discussed in Thai society and worldwide, fresh insights are deepening our understanding of how survivors not only cope but develop unique, highly tuned systems for self-protection.

Gaslighting—a term coined from the 1944 film “Gaslight”—describes a form of manipulation where a person or group causes someone to question their own reality, memory, or perceptions. In Thailand, where family harmony and face-saving are highly valued, such abuse often unfolds quietly, creating lasting effects that are difficult to resolve publicly.

High-level gaslighting is a refined form of emotional manipulation that makes victims doubt their perceptions, memories, and even their sanity. For Thai readers navigating work, family, and social circles, recognizing these dynamics is increasingly important for mental health and personal safety. Drawing on expert analyses from psychologists and recent research, this piece outlines four key behaviors, their impact, and practical steps for protection—framed for Thai society.

Gaslighting fundamentally involves manipulating someone’s sense of reality. In Thailand’s context, where harmony, respect for authority, and collective well-being are highly valued, covert manipulation can be especially hard to spot. Experts note that high-level gaslighters are polished, credible, and socially adept. They use empathy and plausible language to undermine others while maintaining a positive public image, making it difficult for victims to name or resist the behavior.

Recent research and expert insight are shining new light on a highly sophisticated form of emotional manipulation known as high-level gaslighting. For Thai readers navigating complex social, workplace, or family dynamics, recognizing this subtle psychological tactic is an emerging mental health priority. Drawing on the latest findings and expert commentary from psychologists published by Parade and AOL (Parade, AOL), this in-depth report explores the hallmark behaviors of high-level gaslighters, their impact on well-being, and practical strategies for protection—contextualized for Thai society.

A new international study from the University of Brighton and the University of Coimbra shows that ghosting and gaslighting—common online relationship behaviours—can fuel depression and paranoia, especially among young adults. The findings underscore the mental health risks tied to modern dating cultures and the broader impact of online dating on wellbeing. Research by reputable institutions highlights how anonymity and ease of cutting contact online exacerbate emotional harm.

In Thailand, social media and dating apps are increasingly shaping romance, mirroring global trends. Experts say online disappearance (ghosting) and manipulating someone’s perception (gaslighting) are not only painful but damaging to mental health. With dating app use rising locally and mental health apps gaining traction among Thais, it’s timely to understand these dynamics. Data from Thailand’s tech and health sectors shows high engagement with wellness platforms, reflecting a growing public interest in mental health support.

A groundbreaking study released by researchers at the University of Brighton and the University of Coimbra reveals that ghosting and gaslighting—two behaviours increasingly prevalent in the digital age—can trigger depression and paranoia, particularly among young adults. The findings highlight not only the mental health risks associated with these relationship practices but also the broader impact of online dating culture on psychological wellbeing (The Independent).

Modern romance in Thailand, as in much of the world, is increasingly mediated by social media and dating applications. The latest research confirms suspicions long held by mental health professionals: the anonymity and ease of cutting contact online (known as ghosting) and manipulating a partner’s reality (gaslighting) are not just emotionally painful but measurably damaging to mental health. The study’s results are particularly relevant as usage of dating apps continues to surge locally, and mental health apps themselves find a growing market among Thais—82% of those surveyed by Rakuten Insight reported continued use of mental wellness apps in 2022 (Statista).

A new study highlights ghosting and gaslighting in online dating as risk factors for mental health issues among young adults. Researchers from the University of Brighton and the University of Coimbra found links between these behaviors and symptoms of depression and paranoia, underscoring emotional risks in modern dating culture.

For Thai readers, the findings feel highly relevant in a social media-driven era where dating apps are popular among Gen Z and millennials. As relationship norms evolve, digital rejection and manipulation can spread with a single tap. Ghosting—being suddenly ignored—and gaslighting—emphasizing doubt about one’s memory or perceptions—can leave lasting emotional effects.

The rise of ghosting and gaslighting in digital-age relationships is causing significant psychological harm, especially among young adults, a new study reveals. Researchers from the University of Brighton and the University of Coimbra have found strong links between these increasingly common relationship behaviors and symptoms of depression and paranoia, raising fresh concerns about the dangers lurking within online dating culture (The Independent).

For Thai readers living in an era dominated by social media and dating apps, these findings underscore a growing mental health risk that may hit close to home. As relationship customs shift, digital rejection and manipulation techniques—once limited by physical proximity—now cross geographical borders with the tap of a screen. Whether someone has been abruptly ignored by a romantic prospect (ghosting) or repeatedly manipulated to question their own memory and reality (gaslighting), the psychological damage can be profound.

A revealing new study conducted by academic teams at the University of Brighton and the University of Coimbra has spotlighted the profound psychological impacts that ghosting and gaslighting can have—especially among young adults negotiating today’s digitally-driven relationship landscape. The findings forge important connections between the surge of online communication and risks to mental health, and they carry sobering implications for individuals across Thailand navigating similar social terrains.

According to the research, which surveyed 544 adults aged 18 to 40 in the UK, both ghosting—the act of abruptly ending all communication without explanation—and gaslighting—a psychological manipulation tactic that leads individuals to doubt their reality—were shown to trigger mental health symptoms such as depression and paranoid thinking. The study’s methodology accounted for variables like age, income, and personality traits, including sensitivity to rejection and uncertainty, which are themselves recognized as risk factors for mental distress.

A new study by researchers at the University of Brighton and the University of Coimbra shows ghosting and gaslighting can profoundly affect mental health, especially among young adults navigating today’s digital dating scene. The findings highlight how online communication correlates with psychological distress and carry important implications for Thailand’s youth and adults facing similar social dynamics.

The UK-based research surveyed 544 adults aged 18 to 40. It found that ghosting—ending communication without explanation—and gaslighting—manipulating someone to doubt their reality—are linked to symptoms of depression and paranoid thinking. The study controlled for age, income, and personality traits such as sensitivity to rejection and uncertainty, which themselves increase vulnerability to distress.