Simple Psychology tricks you should be aware of

With the onsite of AI and machine learning, I am reminded of our own human behavioural programming.

Have you considered how learned behaviours can be manipulated for an expected outcome? Perhaps if we were aware of our own automatic responses, we can protect ourselves from attempted manipulation.

Simple Psychology hacks that you could try:

Have you ever have an annoying or arrogant person glaring at you? How would you turn the tables on them and make them feel uncomfortable? Look at the middle of their forehead during the conversation. This will make them feel that they are being scrutinised.

If someone is blatantly not answering a specific question, pause during the conversation while maintaining direct eye contact. They will probably feel uncomfortable enough to answer, maybe even provide more details.

To make someone like you, ask them to explain something. This may seem like a cheap trick, but maybe it has some merit? Giving the other person the opportunity to speak and receive undivided attention could improve their attitude towards you.

When asking a question and looking for a “yes’ answer, subtly nod as you make your request. This technique is often used in sales to influence customers to buy more.

When someone is deeply focused on a task, you can extend your hand and take or give something without them noticing. Useful for cleaning up or moving.

If you want someone to do something for you, casually imply that they probably wouldn't be able to do it. Many people feel compelled to prove doubters wrong. This trick was one my mother used often when I was growing up.

Nod slightly during a conversation to make the other person more attentive to your words, even if they're not consciously aware of it. They feel somehow obliged to give you attention when they feel the conversation is directed at them.

When negotiating, show a little disappointment with an offer. I have seen real estate seller and trade union leaders often use this technique.

When your alarm clock goes off, sit up and make two fists as if you've scored a goal. This action can help you feel refreshed and wake up more easily.

If you're prone to doubting whether you locked the door or turned off appliances, say an absurd phrase while performing the action. The next time you doubt, remembering the phrase can calm you down.

Instead of engaging in an argument or drama, say something nice to the other person or remain calm and silent. This can stop the argument and help you avoid unnecessary conflict.

When assigning tasks to a lazy team member, use phrases like "start with this" instead of "do this." It psychologically reduces the perception of workload and encourages them to begin.

When speaking in public, take a bottle of water with you. It helps with dry mouth and allows you to take a pause to remember parts of your speech.

If someone stares at you, focus your gaze on their shoes. Don’t just look away and pretend they don’t exist. Persisting with the gaze can make them uncomfortable. Personally though, I prefer to ask them “you like what you looking at?” or tell them “you can look but you can’t touch”, or I wave at them furiously. None of which worked for me, but I am still conducting that experiment.

If you didn't get enough sleep, tell yourself that you did. Believing you are well-rested can improve brain function, according to a study. That is the power of positive thinking.

When scheduling job interviews, aim for the beginning or end of the workday. People tend to remember events that occur at the start or end of their day more clearly. This is also a hack for those studying.

Caution warning: Use this information at your own risk. The person you are trying this out on, may have also read this article.