— Sloth Boss
— Sloth Boss
Why do we fall for scams? Dr. Robert Cialdini identified six universal principles of persuasion that explain the psychological triggers that make us say "yes." This article provides a simple, clear summary of these principles: Reciprocity, Scarcity, Authority, Commitment & Consistency, Liking, and Social Proof (or Consensus). This is the "science" behind the "art" of social engineering. By understanding these principles, you can recognize when they are being used against you. For example, a phishing email might create a false sense of Scarcity ("Limited time offer!") or impersonate an Authority figure (like your boss or the IRS) to pressure you into acting without thinking.
