Continued Discussion (Post 2)

[anonymod]

Discussion Post 1
The Pit: Paste Documents to Archive Here
Gloves Off: Largely Unmoderated discussion of controversial topics

Comments

[(Anonymous)]

AYRT

I think this is what I get stuck on. Andy isn't constantly there *physically* to whisper in their ear and direct their browsing so I have trouble envisaging the sustainable level of buying into his narrative that must be maintained in his absence.

But of course, I'm admittedly a distant anon watching all this unfold online.
...(Albeit, one who's had the experience of waking up from the gaslighting of a narcissistic abuser once I got out of their *exhausting and numbing* physical presence. Just adding this to say I fully appreciate the insidious nature of people who want to get into your mind and mess with your perceptions and self-will).

[(Anonymous)]

DA (who happens to be fascinated by con artists and the psychology of people vulnerable to con artists)

The funny thing is, Chris' self-image is what makes him especially vulnerable - he's basically the ideal mark, one who is so certain that he'd never fall for a con that once he has fallen for it he'll subconsciously protect himself from that self-shattering knowledge and deny, deny, deny. Many con artists are able to go back to the same victims multiple times because of this - what better way to convince yourself you COULDN'T have fallen for a scam by doubling down on your "investment?"

Chris might not even need that much nudging from Andy - he's so invested in himself as "manipulation-proof" that he's incentivized to continue to buy in to those manipulations as truth. Avoiding future manipulation from Andy would require him to admit that he isn't manipulation-proof, and in fact has been manipulated many times in the past.

[(Anonymous)]

This makes a lot of sense!
Andy stans must be getting some emotional gratification or reward. Or are at least dodging uncomfortable self assessment. Or both.
Of course Andy chases narcissistic supply and avoids introspection on a much magnified scale.

[(Anonymous)]

AYRT The problem with that line of thinking is you don't take into account the victim's emotional needs. It's why I always say that the stereotype of victims being stupid is outmoded and should die. Victims can be very intelligent (look at Abbey, very smart woman).

What a con artist like Andy looks for is emotional needs. Most of us have them, we're all human. Andy finds what that need is and exploits it, and that's clearly what he's done with Chris. And once a con artist has your number, it's not hard to keep hustling you.