They seem sensitive and caring – but really they just want to manipulate you. So how do you recognise the danger signs?

Summary

The concept of the “dark empath,” someone with empathy skills but who manipulates for personal gain, is gaining attention, especially on social media.

Identified in a 2021 study, dark empaths combine high cognitive empathy with “dark triad” traits (narcissism, Machiavellianism, psychopathy), allowing them to read emotions but use this insight to control others.

Examples include exploiting trust in relationships or workplaces. While difficult to spot due to their feigned compassion, dark empaths may reveal ulterior motives through selective kindness or manipulative behavior.

Dark empaths are prevalent in the general population, with almost one in five individuals exhibiting this personality type.