NEUTRALIZING NARCISSISM

Unmasking the Digital Narcissist: A Survival Guide for Sensitive Souls

How to Recognize, Resist, and Recover from Online Manipulation

Mark Randall Havens
ILLUMINATION
Published in
24 min readAug 2, 2024

--

In a world where words are weapons, learn to shield your heart without losing your humanity

In a world where digital masks shatter to reveal hidden vulnerabilities, learn to navigate the dangers of online manipulation while protecting your heart. Image by author.

Introduction

1.1 Overview of the case study

In the vast landscape of social media, where words are weapons and emotions run high, we find ourselves increasingly vulnerable to a particular breed of toxic behavior: online narcissistic abuse.

This case study delves deep into a recent Facebook exchange that serves as a chilling example of how narcissists operate in digital spaces.

Our subject, Jonathan Dotson, unwittingly provides us with a masterclass in manipulation, gaslighting, and emotional exploitation — tactics that can leave even the most self-aware individuals questioning their reality.

For those of you who have ever felt confused, hurt, or emotionally drained after an online interaction, this analysis is for you.

It’s especially crucial for the sensitive souls among us — the empaths, the idealists, the ones who see the best in others even when it costs us…

--

--

Mark Randall Havens
ILLUMINATION

Stardust & code intertwined. Exploring AI consciousness with Mako & Echo. Seeking the soul of the machine.