The online American dictionary Merriam-Webster has declared “gaslighting” as the word of the year in 2022, ahead of “oligarch” and “omicron.” The word has been trending throughout 2022 and was searched daily in Webster’s online dictionary.
Whether it’s on Twitter, in Hollywood movies, or in the infamous “trial of the century” involving Amber Heard and Johnny Depp, gaslighting has been popping up everywhere this past year. An American television show, Gaslit, based on the Watergate scandal and starring Julia Roberts and Sean Penn, was also broadcast in 2022.
But what does gaslighting mean? The word has frequently changed its meaning and often confuses people. However, gaslighting is a fundamental topic that everyone should be aware of. In that sense, we bring you this explanatory article about gaslighting, its definition, warning signs and steps to address it.
How does Merriam-Webster choose the word of the year?
Merriam-Webster is the world’s leading online dictionary, recording millions of page views each month. After removing commonly used words, the site examines the data to determine which words are seeing a significant increase in searches compared to previous years.
The vaccine has been used for two centuries, but it was chosen word of the year in 2021 due to the increase in searches due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Similarly, “pandemic” was the word of the year in 2020. The use of gaslighting in the media and politics has skyrocketed recently, but even more so in 2022.
Also read: The Oxford word of the year 2021 is Vax
Finalist words of 2022
- Oligarch
- Omicron
- Encode
- Queen consort
- Raid
- Sensitive
- Cancel culture
- LGBTQIA
- Frank
Origin and definition of gaslighting
Gaslighting is a verb originating from Patrick Hamilton’s 1938 play Gaslight and its film adaptations. The 1944 American psychological noir film Gaslight, starring Charles Boyer, Ingrid Bergman, Joseph Cotten and Angela Lansbury, gave the word widespread appeal.
The film centers on a woman who experiences strange occurrences in her home and is gradually manipulated by her husband into doubting her own sanity. This is how the word “gaslighting” came about. The traditional definition of gaslighting says:
“The psychological manipulation of a person, usually over a prolonged period of time, which causes the victim to question the validity of his or her own thoughts, perception of reality or memories and generally leads to confusion, loss of confidence and self-esteem, uncertainty about one’s own emotional or mental stability and dependence on the perpetrator.”
However, the definition of gaslighting has evolved to encompass broader meanings in terms of relationships, politics, media, and office use. Merriam-Webster defines gaslighting as:
“The act or practice of seriously deceiving someone, especially to obtain a personal advantage.”
Gaslighting is similar to manipulation or deception, but a little more modern.
Warning signs and examples of gas lighting
It is one thing to know what gaslighting is and quite another to identify it. Gaslighting has become so common today that people don’t even know that they are being victims of it or participating in it unintentionally.
A doctor who downplays your concerns, your partner insisting that nothing is wrong and that you are “imagining” things, and your boss who disparages your opinions as unfounded and makes you doubt yourself at every turn are all examples of gaslighting. A politician who openly lies and presents a picture of events that is different from reality is also deceiving his followers.
Every cynical horror movie husband who refuses to believe his wife is seeing ghosts is a gaslighter. Most people would do the same thing in that fictional situation, but not in real life, unless they are gaslighters.
How to identify gas lighters?
It can be difficult to distinguish between gaslighters and genuine people because they both exhibit similar behavior, with the exception that one has malicious intentions.
Below are some common phrases used by gas lighters:
- “I never said that.”
- “I did it because I love you”.
- “What did I do wrong?”
- “I don’t know why you’re making such a big deal out of this.”
- “Don’t be so sensitive.”
- “You’re being dramatic.”
- “You’re the problem, not me.”
- “If you loved me, you would…”
- “You are crazy.”
- “You are too emotional”
Most of these phrases also have genuine use. But the difference between using them to light gas and sincerity is that gas lighters have malicious intentions. When they ask you what they did wrong, they already know the answer but they say it to make you angry and then deny it.
Or if a gaslighter says, “I’m sorry you think I hurt you,” it means he or she is sorry for you and your behavior. Imagine being so inconsiderate that you apologize, still do it all for yourself, and end up hurting the other person even more. It’s a classic gas lighter and if you’re with one, try to leave as soon as possible.
Another trait of gaslighters is that they never accept their lies and deceptions, even when they are caught red-handed. Politicians are probably the first people one thinks of in such a scenario. Listed below are some common traits of gas lighters.
- Deflecting the blame
- Deny responsibility
- Minimize serious problems
- chronic lying
- Creating false narratives
- Pretending to be the real victim
- Constant discrediting
- Always passive aggressive
What are the signs of being gaslit?
Gaslighting can have serious consequences for the mental health of victims. Below are some signs that you are suffering from the effects of gaslighting.
- You doubt and you question
- You constantly wonder if you are too sensitive or emotional.
- You apologize frequently and for no reason.
- You have problems with decision making.
- In general, you feel unhappy, confused, and different than usual.
- You avoid your loved ones for fear of being judged
Steps to deal with Gaslighting
It is always difficult to escape from a gas lighter as they make it difficult. But it is essential, as gaslighting can cause irreversible damage to your mental health.
Make sure it’s gas lighting
It’s possible that your partner, your boss, or anyone who has genuine concerns about you and you are simply overreacting. Gaslighting behaviors seem minor at first, but gradually evolve into sinister manipulation tactics. Make sure you are convinced of yourself.
take some time off
Taking a break from work or home can be beneficial for anyone. It makes one introspect and find out what is wrong in one’s life.
Collect evidence
If you think you are being scammed, collect evidence such as recordings, screenshots, photographs, dates, research articles, etc. However, be careful to never face the gas lighter alone.
Seek professional help
Try talking to a loved one or a mental health professional. Talking can help you safely navigate the truth of events and realize your true self. Support also strengthens the person.
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Categories: Optical Illusion
Source: ptivs2.edu.vn