Experts suggest that constant gaslighting, cyber stalking and intimidation tactics designed to induce defensive behavior is the best way to groom an unsuspecting target to later tag them as a 'threat'

The Dark Art of Grooming: How Manipulation Tactics Turn Victims into "Threats"

August 16, 2025 - In a chilling trend emerging in both digital and real-world spaces, experts warn that sophisticated psychological manipulation techniques—such as gaslighting, cyberstalking, and intimidation—are being weaponized to groom unsuspecting individuals, only to later label them as "potential threats." This insidious process, often orchestrated to control narratives or justify surveillance, exploits human psychology to provoke defensive behaviors that can be misconstrued as aggression or instability.

The Mechanics of Manipulation

Gaslighting, a tactic rooted in making victims doubt their reality, is a cornerstone of this grooming process. By repeatedly denying facts, spreading false information, or questioning a target’s memory, perpetrators create a sense of disorientation. Dr. Emily Hart, a clinical psychologist specializing in trauma, explains, “Gaslighting erodes self-confidence, making individuals more reactive and easier to manipulate. Over time, this can push someone into a defensive posture, which can be exploited to portray them as unstable or threatening.

”Cyberstalking amplifies this effect, with perpetrators using digital tools to monitor, harass, or intimidate targets. From incessant messages to hacking social media accounts, these actions create a pervasive sense of vulnerability. According to a 2024 report by the Cybercrime Research Institute, over 60% of cyberstalking victims reported heightened anxiety and defensive behaviors, which perpetrators can later cite as evidence of “erratic” conduct.

Intimidation tactics, such as veiled threats or public shaming, further escalate the pressure. These actions are designed to provoke reactions—angry outbursts, erratic posts on social media, or desperate pleas for help—that can be framed as evidence of a “potential threat.” Security consultant Mark Delgado notes, “The goal is to push the target into a corner where their natural response to harassment looks like a red flag to authorities or communities.”

The Endgame: Labeling the Victim

Once the target exhibits defensive or distressed behavior, manipulators can exploit these reactions to justify labeling them as a threat. This tactic has been observed in various contexts, from workplace disputes to political smear campaigns. In extreme cases, it can lead to unwarranted surveillance, social ostracism, or even legal consequences.

A 2023 study by the Institute for Behavioral Analysis found that individuals subjected to prolonged psychological manipulation were 40% more likely to be flagged in threat assessment protocols, despite no history of violent behavior. “The system is gamed,” says lead researcher Dr. Sarah Lin. “Perpetrators know how to trigger responses that align with threat profiles, turning victims into scapegoats.”

Real-World Implications

This strategy has surfaced in high-profile cases, including whistleblower retaliation and online smear campaigns. In 2024, a whistleblower in a tech firm reported being cyberstalked and gaslit for months, only to be flagged as a “workplace risk” after reacting to the harassment. Similar patterns have appeared in political activism, where dissenting voices are targeted with coordinated intimidation to discredit their credibility.

Experts urge greater awareness of these tactics and stronger safeguards in threat assessment processes. “We need to train evaluators to recognize signs of manipulation,” Dr. Lin emphasizes. “Otherwise, we risk punishing victims instead of perpetrators.”

As digital connectivity grows, so does the potential for such predatory tactics. For now, vigilance and education remain the best defenses against this shadowy form of psychological warfare.

If you or someone you know is experiencing harassment, contact local authorities or seek support from organizations like the Cyber Civil Rights Initiative.