Gaslight Video Games

What is Gaslighting?

Gaslighting is a form of abuse. More specifically it is a form of emotional or psychological abuse employed by an abuser to gain or maintain control over another. The abuser manipulates their victim through an ongoing pattern of deceptive behavior that leads the victim into eventually doubting their own memory or perception. And as the victim begins to doubt themselves they become more dependent on the abuser, giving the abuser increasingly more control over the victim's thoughts and actions.

Gaslighting can occur in any relationship but most often in close relationships, especially romantic (intimate partner) relationships. Gaslighting is very powerful, especially from somebody you trust and respect. The manipulation comes slowly but consistently - gradually reframing the victim's reality to suit the abuser. Friends and family can help by providing a reality-based perspective but abusers often isolate their victims for this very reason: they don't want anybody to ruin the false narrative they have been crafting.

Gaslighting Information and Resources

Gaslighting: The 'perfect' romance that became a nightmare (BBC News)

Are you being 'gaslighted' by the narcissist in your life? (Psychology Today)

How to Recognize 5 Tactics of Gaslighting (Scientific American)

"I've counseled hundreds of victims of gaslighting. Here's how to spot if you're being gaslighted." (Vox)