What is dark psychology?
Dark psychology is an informal name for tactics that influence people at their expense, usually without them noticing: gaslighting, guilt-tripping, love bombing, DARVO, triangulation, the silent treatment and more. These tactics work by replacing your judgement with an emotion such as guilt, fear or self-doubt. The detector reads the wording of a message and shows which of these patterns appear, so you can respond to what is actually being said instead of to the pressure.
Tactics the detector looks for
Guilt-tripping
Love, loyalty or past favours turned into a debt you can only repay by giving in: "after everything I've done for you".
DARVO and blame reversal
Deny, attack, reverse victim and offender, so the person who raised a problem ends up apologising for it.
Gaslighting
Denying or rewriting what happened, or questioning your memory and sanity until you doubt your own perception.
False urgency and threats
Pressure to decide right now, ultimatums, or consequences used to force compliance before you can think.
Control and isolation
Monitoring, demands for passwords or location, and framing time with friends or family as betrayal.
Love bombing and silent treatment
Affection switched on to regain control and switched off as punishment, so warmth becomes a lever.
How the Dark Psychology Detector works
A second opinion before you reply, apologise or give in.
Add the message
Paste text or upload a screenshot of the conversation.
AI names the tactics
The analysis checks the wording for gaslighting, guilt-tripping, DARVO, love bombing, triangulation, threats and other patterns, and quotes the evidence.
Reply with a clear head
Get a risk score, the tactics found, a calm reply and a question that tests the pressure.
What can you check with the Dark Psychology Detector?
Messages where pressure is easy to feel but hard to name.
Relationship messages
Texts from a partner, ex or date that leave you confused, guilty or apologising.
Family conversations
Messages where care comes with conditions, comparisons or reminders of sacrifices.
Work emails and chats
Vague criticism, moving goalposts, guilt-driven overtime or denied instructions.
Screenshots
Upload a screenshot of a chat or email to check the visible text.
How Does EmoScan Work: Scan Emotions with AI
From Our Blog
Tips and insights on emotions, communication, and AI
How to Ask for a Raise Over Email: Structure and Examples
Learn how to ask for a raise over email with a clear structure, assured wording, example messages and a calm way to follow up if the answer is no.
How to Politely Decline a Job Offer by Email: 6 Templates
Learn how to politely decline a job offer by email with 6 ready templates, short and detailed versions, and tone tips that keep the door open.
Breadcrumbing Meaning in Texting: 7 Signs and Replies
Breadcrumbing meaning in texting, explained: how to spot the pattern, tell it from a busy person, and respond or step back with clarity.
How to read your result
The risk score from 0 to 100 summarises how strongly the wording of this message relies on manipulation tactics. Below 25, the message reads as direct and non-coercive. From 25 to 49 there are some signs worth noticing. From 50 the wording relies clearly on pressure, guilt or reality distortion, and above 75 several tactics appear together.
Each tactic comes with a quote from your text. That matters: it lets you check the result yourself instead of trusting a number. If a quote does not feel right in context, trust your knowledge of the situation.
One message is not a relationship
Stressed, tired or hurt people sometimes write unfair things. What turns a bad message into dark psychology is a pattern: the same tactic repeating, getting stronger when you push back, and rarely followed by real repair. If you are unsure, check several messages over time and take the free dark psychology test.
Learn the tactics behind the result
Every tactic the detector finds has its own guide with real examples, from gaslighting phrases to DARVO. The full dark psychology guide also covers how to set boundaries and how to leave a manipulative relationship safely.
If you feel unsafe
If a message contains threats or you are afraid of how someone will react, your safety comes before any analysis. In the US you can call or text the National Domestic Violence Hotline (1-800-799-7233, or text START to 88788), in the UK call 0808 2000 247, and elsewhere findahelpline.com lists local services.
