Superficial charm
From The Art and Popular Culture Encyclopedia
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Superficial charm, also called glibness, is used in popular psychology to describe a common manipulative technique using positive reinforcement. The "charm" is entirely insincere. It may manifest itself as flattery. It is an important attribute of psychopathic personalities. It is often used by abusers early on in an abusive relationship to attract and groom the abused person. High pressure salesmen or conmen also maliciously use superficial charm.
Less malicious forms of superficial charm manifest themselves as spin, the sales pattern used by salesmen, politicians, advertising and glossy brochures.
According to Hotchkiss, the fantasy world of narcissists can have a seductive allure. Their superficial charm can be enchanting, and they often appear complicated, colourful and exciting as they draw their victims into their narcissistic web.
See also
- Antisocial personality disorder
- Charisma
- Flattery
- Hare Psychopathy Checklist
- Histrionic personality disorder
- Impression management
- Ingratiation
- Love bombing
- Narcissism
- Psychological manipulation
- Sociopaths
- The Mask of Sanity