Perhaps some of you have already seen this concept – “Dark Rizz” (Тёмный ризз) – on Western social networks. If not, it conceals a rather unsettling, yet intriguing, psychology. And recently, Psychology Today released an excellent article on this subject, from reading which you’ll only have one thought in your head: “Damn it, this is an ideal description of the relationship between a citizen and the state!” So let’s examine in detail how it operates, why our brains succumb to manipulation, and what significance understanding this has from a libertarian standpoint.
At the core of “Dark Rizz” lies the classic “Dark Triad”: narcissism (I – the center of the universe), Machiavellianism (the ends justify the means, and people are pawns), and psychopathy (there is no fear or conscience). Individuals possessing such qualities often exhibit a strange, toxic magnetism. They aren’t kind or caring, but it’s impossible to tear your eye away from them because they exude an extraordinarily attractive confidence.
Is this familiar? Simply turn on the television or watch election debates. That politician who shouts loudest of all promises to “restore order” and views opponents as dirt – that’s it. We often accept their fearlessness as competence, and their brazenness as leadership strength. But why do we fall for it? Psychologists term this intermittent reinforcement. Imagine you are communicating with a person (or living in a country) who behaves unpredictably. Today he is cold, ignores you or introduces a new ridiculous ban. The next day – he pays attention to you, reduces the mortgage rate, or simply doesn’t hit you. This contrast triggers a dopamine rush. If you were given a treat every day, you would get used to it. But when the treat is given randomly, after a week of being whipped – you begin to crave it. You become addicted.
In interpersonal relationships, this is referred to as “emotional swings.” In politics, it’s called populism and statism. A stationary bandit creates a problem (cold), you suffer, and then he slightly loosens his grip (warmth). And you feel grateful. “Thank you for letting us breathe on even days, our great leader!”
The author of the article, Dr. John Gruda, aptly expresses himself regarding this issue: “Calm, emotionally stable people rarely become heroes of drama.” This implies that healthy relationships (and a healthy market economy) are boring. You go to the bakery, pay money, and receive bread. The baker doesn’t gaslight you, doesn’t disappear for a week, and doesn’t demand worship. It is a fair deal. However, “Dark Rizz” is cinematic. It’s tension and drama. Politicians with “dark charisma” sell us this show to us. They create chaos so they can heroically resolve it. They make us feel small so that they appear large.
How to spot a trap? Psychologists advise asking yourself: “Do I feel better or worse after talking to this person?” Healthy charisma (and a healthy society) gives you a feeling of safety and autonomy. “Dark charisma” feeds on your fear and insecurity. If a leader (or partner) demands loyalty through fear, avoids responsibility and constantly changes the rules of the game – it’s not a ‘strong hand’, it’s just manipulation.
What should libertarians do with this knowledge? Of course, you need to remember about boundaries. Dark rizz only works when your personal boundaries are blurred. In politics, these are boundaries of self-ownership and private property. And if someone steps over them, you simply need to send them into the woods. It’s also worth appreciating boredom. Stability of contracts, inviolability of personality and a free market don’t cause an adrenaline rush. And that’s great! We don’t live in a blockbuster; we just need to live and work normally. And finally, you shouldn’t confuse control with charisma. If someone is trying to control every step you take, disguising it as “national interests” or “overall security” – it’s not leadership. It’s abuse, inflated to the scale of a country.
