Manipulated

To skillfully control or influence someone or something, often in a deceptive or unfair way, for one's own advantage. This can involve altering data, misrepresenting information, or exploiting vulnerabilities to achieve a desired outcome. It implies a level of cunning and often suggests a lack of honesty or transparency. The act of manipulating can impact decisions, behaviors, and even perceptions, leaving those involved at a disadvantage or unaware of the true nature of the situation. The intent behind the manipulation is often self-serving, seeking control or a particular benefit from the influenced individual or object.

Manipulated meaning with examples

• The marketing team carefully manipulated the survey results to portray their product in a more positive light, hoping to increase sales. They cherry-picked data points and omitted negative feedback, effectively misleading potential customers about the product's actual performance. This tactic aimed to drive purchases by fostering a false sense of quality and effectiveness, leveraging the trust consumers place in market research. The manipulation was designed to create demand through distorted information.
• In the political arena, the candidate manipulated public opinion by spreading misinformation through social media. This included using bots to amplify certain narratives and fabricating stories to discredit their opponent. They capitalized on people’s biases and vulnerabilities to shift the narrative, making it seem as though their policies were widely supported. This manipulation was intended to sway voters and gain an unfair advantage by fostering negative perceptions about the other side.
• The con artist manipulated the elderly woman's emotions to gain access to her finances. He pretended to be a concerned friend, slowly isolating her from her family and convincing her that he was the only one she could trust. He gradually gained control of her assets and exploited her vulnerable state. This emotional manipulation was designed to extract wealth by creating an illusion of a caring relationship, ultimately resulting in financial ruin for the victim.
• The software engineer manipulated the algorithm to ensure that his code was always chosen over others. He subtly altered the ranking system by introducing hidden biases that favored his submissions. The manipulation enabled him to secure promotions and recognition at the expense of his colleagues. This ethical breach gave him an advantage by rigging the system to reward his work, even if others had superior code that should have prevailed, damaging the company overall.