Open lecture “Mechanisms of Manipulation: How to Recognize and Counteract Manipulative Influence” was delivered by Ihor Haidukov
On November 12, 2026, as part of the In-Person Learning Week of the Faculty of Pedagogy, Psychology and Social Work at Kherson State University, an open lecture entitled “Mechanisms of Manipulation: How to Recognize and Counteract Manipulative Influence” was delivered by Ihor Haidukov, a corporate security and behavioural risk assessment specialist and author of adaptations of psychometric methods for studying the Dark Factor and the psychology of manipulative influence.
What constitutes manipulation, and what is direct influence? Is the intention genuine, and is there a real choice? How does our brain respond, and what exactly are scammers or other manipulators trying to achieve?
These were some of the questions explored during the lecture. Together with students and academic staff, the speaker examined logical and verbal traps, as well as emotional and relationship-based tactics that can undermine our reasoning. He also provided an in-depth analysis of manipulation techniques used in both corporate and personal relationships.
Participants learned practical ways to counter cognitive overload and questions based on false assumptions: asking for specifics, relying on facts, analysing the structure of a statement and identifying the purpose behind a message. They were also encouraged to tolerate silence and pauses, describe a situation in their own words, and avoid apologising pre-emptively.
Using real-life examples of everyday phrases, the participants analysed statements to determine whether they contained manipulative elements. Many of these expressions, such as “Do whatever you want,” have roots in childhood experiences.
The lecture also introduced five diagnostic questions to help identify and resist manipulation:
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Is there a hidden intention?
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Is there a genuine choice?
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Is there unjustified urgency?
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Is the person appealing to guilt, fear or loyalty instead of providing facts?
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Does the person's tone change depending on whether I agree?
Participants also discussed how to recognise when a conversation turns into a stream of commands. In such situations, the key steps are to pause, identify the manipulation technique and reclaim the right to make one's own decisions.
At the end of the interactive lecture, Ihor Haidukov invited participants to take part in a small pilot study exploring behavioural patterns. Its scientific and practical significance lies in the fact that it is the first study of its kind in Ukraine.
A question-and-answer session brought this undoubtedly valuable and engaging meeting to a close.