In this powerful episode of The Social Lens, host Beatrice Goodwin explores the hidden world of human manipulation, psychological influence, and behavioral control. From subtle marketing tricks to deep self-deception, this episode reveals how emotional manipulation, persuasion tactics, and fear-based influence shape our daily decisions without us even knowing it.

Discover how businesses use fear, scarcity, and social pressure to guide your buying habits, why political campaigns weaponize fear and hope, and how storytelling influences belief systems across every part of life—from parenting to global politics. Learn how self-manipulation is a survival tool, how we manipulate our memories, and why even the most honest conversations are filled with strategic deception.

This is more than just a psychology deep dive—it's a full expose on the art of influence, the science behind human decision-making, and how manipulation drives the world of commerce, relationships, and identity. Whether you’re a student of psychology, a curious skeptic, or someone fascinated by how power and persuasion operate, this episode is your blueprint for decoding modern influence.

The Social Lens by Skoob brings you raw, unfiltered insights from Beatrice Goodwin, breaking down the invisible narratives shaping your thoughts, choices, and interactions.

Listen to "The Social Lens" on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube.

Timestamps:

(00:00) The Art of Influence: A Deep Dive into Human Manipulation

(01:17) The Hidden Puppet Masters of Business

(03:54) Fear – The Ultimate Weapon

(06:56) The Lies We Tell Ourselves

(09:51) Beyond Words – The Theater of Daily Deception

(14:32) When Stories Become Weapons

(18:09) The Strategy of Consistency

(21:38) The Tyranny of First Impressions

(25:44) The Adversarial Trap

(29:21) Living Consciously in a World of Influence