Most manipulation you meet online is not improvised. It is a small set of reusable patterns, designed deliberately, tested for conversion, and shipped on purpose. This is the index.
Learn the name, learn the tell, and the pattern stops working on you.
One rule, permanently: we name the tactic, never the person and never the company. A pattern can be taught and defended. An accusation is just a lawsuit with a website attached.
patterns. Filter by family, or search for the thing that just happened to you.
No pattern matches that. Try a broader word.
A short letter: one tactic, where it is currently spreading, and the four-second tell. No tracking pixels, no partner offers, no “we’ve updated our newsletter” emails.
Unsubscribe is one click, in every email, with no retention offer and no phone call. Documenting The Roach Motel and then building one would be embarrassing.