Education logo

Detecting Dangerous Personalities: How to Protect Yourself from Deceptive Individuals.

Detecting Dangerous Personalities.

By Sylvester SaduwaPublished 3 years ago 3 min read
Detecting Dangerous Personalities: How to Protect Yourself from Deceptive Individuals.
Photo by Sander Sammy on Unsplash

In a world where some people seek to exploit others, it is crucial to be able to identify dangerous personalities. From narcissists to pathological liars, these individuals operate differently and can be difficult to detect. This article aims to provide insights into identifying such personalities, using Elizabeth Holmes, the founder of Theranos, as a primary example. By understanding the behaviors and traits associated with these individuals, you can better protect yourself from falling victim to their manipulations. This guide will equip you with the knowledge to recognize and handle dangerous personalities that you may encounter in your life.

Understanding the Motivation Behind Dangerous Personalities.

One significant motivator for individuals with dangerous personalities is their desire for validation and admiration. They often construct personas that they strive to maintain, seeking recognition from the world. Look out for individuals who exhibit an intense focus on their image. For instance, Elizabeth Holmes aimed to emulate Steve Jobs, wearing black turtlenecks and imitating his presentation style. These personalities often engage in lying, even about seemingly trivial matters, to perpetuate their constructed image. Recognizing this tendency can be a key indicator of a potentially dangerous personality.

Identifying Red Flags: Behaviors of Dangerous Personalities.

Dangerous personalities, such as narcissists and pathological liars, exhibit certain consistent behaviors. One common trait is their disconnection from feelings of guilt or shame, which would typically deter others from engaging in fraudulent actions. They also have a different relationship with lying, showing a comfort and ease in telling bold lies without hesitation. These individuals often exhibit a calm demeanor while lying, which can mislead others into believing their falsehoods. It is essential to be cautious of individuals who exhibit these behaviors, as they may be skilled at manipulating others' perceptions.

The 10,000-Foot View: A Heuristic for Detection.

When dealing with potentially dangerous personalities, adopting a "10,000-foot view" approach can be beneficial. Instead of solely focusing on an individual's body language or explanations, try to summarize their claims at a higher level. Listen to your intuition and assess whether the overall narrative makes sense. This approach helps you avoid getting caught up in the details and enables you to see the bigger picture. The journalist who exposed Elizabeth Holmes, for example, became suspicious of her claims due to the implausibility of her accomplishments given her background. Trusting your gut instincts and assessing the coherence of the narrative can help identify deceptive individuals.

Patterns of Deception and Relentless Pursuit.

Dangerous personalities often persist in their lies, even when confronted or caught. Unlike most people, who may feel shame and admit their deception, these individuals continue to manipulate others. For instance, Elizabeth Holmes, despite facing legal consequences, maintained that she would start a new company. This persistence in deceit reveals a skewed relationship with the truth, where maintaining an image takes precedence over external reality. When dealing with such individuals, be wary of their ability to dismiss or deflect concerns by labeling them as haters or by promoting conspiracy theories.

Remaining Vigilant and Trusting Your Intuition.

To protect yourself from dangerous personalities, it is crucial to remain vigilant and trust your instincts. Pay attention to warning signs, such as an excessive focus on self-image, a comfort with lying, and a refusal to acknowledge deception when confronted. If something feels off or inconsistent, listen to your intuition. Additionally, be cautious of individuals who demand secrecy or present ultimatums, as these tactics can be indicative of manipulative behaviors. By staying alert and trusting your instincts, you can navigate interactions with potentially dangerous personalities

more effectively.

Identifying and protecting oneself from dangerous personalities is essential in today's world. By understanding the motivations and behaviors associated with these individuals, you can increase your ability to detect them before they take advantage. Elizabeth Holmes serves as a prominent example of how deceptive personalities can operate, manipulating investors and the public. By adopting a 10,000-foot view and trusting your instincts, you can avoid falling victim to their deceitful tactics. Stay vigilant, remain skeptical, and prioritize your own well-being when dealing with individuals who exhibit signs of dangerous personalities.

Thanks for Reading and Subscribing!

Please LIKE, COMMENT and SHARE if you want to keep these articles coming.

how topop culture

About the Creator

Reader insights

Be the first to share your insights about this piece.

How does it work?

Add your insights

Comments

There are no comments for this story

Be the first to respond and start the conversation.

Sign in to comment

    Find us on social media

    Miscellaneous links

    • Explore
    • Contact
    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms of Use
    • Support

    © 2026 Creatd, Inc. All Rights Reserved.