Manipulable

Capable of being controlled, directed, or influenced, often in a manner that serves the interests of the manipulator. The term is frequently used in psychological, social, and economic contexts to describe individuals or entities that can be easily swayed or handled, sometimes without their awareness. Being manipulable can refer to susceptibility to persuasion, coaxing, or deceit, leading to actions or beliefs that may not align with one's genuine interests or values.

Manipulable meaning with examples

• The negotiator quickly realized that his opponent was highly manipulable, responding favorably to even the slightest pressure for concessions. By leveraging this trait, he was able to persuade them to accept terms that benefited his client significantly more than anticipated. This incident highlighted the importance of understanding the psychological dynamics at play in negotiations, as individuals can often be swayed by subtle tactics that might go unnoticed in more straightforward discussions.
• In the realm of marketing, consumers tend to be more manipulable during certain times of the year, such as holiday seasons, when emotional appeals are especially potent. Businesses leverage this manipulability by crafting advertisements that evoke nostalgia or happiness, aiming to create a connection that drives purchasing decisions. Seasonal promotions often exploit this behavior, leading to a spike in sales as consumers act on these emotional triggers rather than logical reasoning.
• The debate about social media's influence emphasizes how users can be manipulable in their beliefs and opinions. Algorithms curate content that aligns with users' existing views, creating information bubbles that make them more susceptible to persuasive messaging and misinformation. This phenomenon raises concerns about how easily people can be led to adopt ideas and behaviors dictated by external forces without recognizing the manipulation at play.
• In educational settings, some students may exhibit a manipulable learning style, particularly if they are accustomed to a more passive form of education. Such students might find themselves easily swayed by dominant personalities in group projects, leading them to adopt ideas or approaches that they do not fully understand or believe in. Educators must be aware of this tendency and encourage critical thinking to help students develop their own opinions and resist undue influence.
• Political campaigns often identify target demographics that are perceived as manipulable, employing strategies designed to engage and sway their opinions. By using tailored messaging, emotional appeals, and targeted advertising, campaigns seek to influence these voters, who may be undecided or less informed. This approach can result in significant shifts in public opinion, illustrating the power of manipulable sentiment in electoral processes.