During the recent Gen Z-led protests that shook William Ruto personally and his administration to its very core, many Kenyans found themselves asking a chilling question: How did the police track them down so easily, even in the supposed safety of their homes? Scores of activists and protesters were abducted, many never to be seen again. Suspicion quickly fell on Safaricom and Kenya Power, accused of handing over personal information to a rogue state. But the truth may be even more disturbing—and far simpler than most would imagine... In a revelation that will shock every Kenyan, your private communications—phone calls, texts, and even your physical location—is being monitored without your knowledge. The Kenyan government has been accused of engaging in widespread surveillance of its citizens, using sophisticated tools provided by Israeli cyber-espionage firm Circles. This disturbing information was uncovered in a damning report by Citizen Lab, a digital rights watchdog based at the Un
Pathological Liar: Understanding the Complex Mental Make-up
Pathological
lying is a complex phenomenon that involves intricate mental processes and
behaviours. Individuals who engage in it often do so compulsively, without
regard for the consequences or the impact on others. To comprehend the mental
make-up of a pathological liar, it’s crucial to delve into the underlying
psychological factors that drive this behaviour.
Psychological
Background
Pathological
lying is often associated with personality disorders such as narcissistic
personality disorder, borderline personality disorder, and antisocial
personality disorder. These individuals may have a distorted sense of self and
lack empathy towards others, making it easier for them to deceive without
remorse.
Compulsive Behaviour
Pathological
lying is characterised by compulsive behaviour, where the individual concerned feels
a constant urge to fabricate stories or exaggerate facts. This behaviour may
stem from deep-seated insecurities or a need for validation and attention. The
lies they tell may serve to boost their self-esteem or create a false sense of
superiority.
Manipulative
Tendencies
Pathological
liars often exhibit manipulative tendencies and use their lies to manipulate
others for personal gain or to avoid accountability. They may fabricate stories
to evade punishment, manipulate relationships, or gain sympathy. Their ability
to spin elaborate tales with convincing detail makes it challenging for truth to
be discerned.
Fantasy vs
Reality
For
pathological liars, the line between fantasy and reality is often blurred. They
may become so entangled in their web of lies that they begin to believe their
own fabrications. This self-deception can further perpetuate their lying behaviour,
as they may genuinely believe they are telling the truth even when confronted
with evidence to the contrary.
Underlying
Psychological Issues
Pathological
lying often coexists with other psychological issues such as low self-esteem,
insecurity, or trauma. The lies told by pathological liars may serve as a
coping mechanism to deal with unresolved emotional pain or to project a false
image of themselves to the world. Addressing these underlying psychological
issues is crucial in treating pathological lying behaviour.
Lack of
Remorse
Unlike
occasional or situational liars who may feel guilt or remorse for their
dishonesty, pathological liars often lack empathy and remorse for the harm their
lies cause. They may rationalise their behaviour or deflect blame onto others, and
refuse to take responsibility for their actions. This lack of accountability
further perpetuates their cycle of lying.
Difficulty in
Building Trust
Due to their
propensity for deception, pathological liars often struggle to build and
maintain trust in their relationships. Their constant lying erodes trust and
credibility, making it challenging for others to believe anything they say.
This lack of trust can lead to social isolation and further exacerbate their
psychological issues.
Treatment and
Intervention
Treating
pathological lying involves addressing the underlying psychological issues
driving the behaviour. Therapy, particularly cognitive-behavioural therapy
(CBT), can help individuals identify and challenge the thoughts and beliefs
that contribute to their lying behaviour. Additionally, medication may be
prescribed to manage underlying mental health conditions, such as depression or
anxiety.
The mental make-up
of a pathological liar is multifaceted and influenced by a combination of
psychological factors. Understanding the underlying motives and behaviours
associated with pathological lying is essential in addressing and treating this
complex phenomenon. By addressing the root causes and providing appropriate
intervention and support, individuals struggling with pathological lying can
work towards leading more authentic and fulfilling lives.
Comments
Post a Comment