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That all communication is an attempt to manipulate the behavior of others.
You mean like... all, all? How so? You mean like by asking you this question I'm "manipulating" you into answering it? If so that's a bit of a stretch in my personal opinion.
A stretch, yes. But it’s an interesting model for understanding what communication is. By telling you this, I am manipulating you into understanding my point of view and hopefully getting you to agree with me.
It’s important to note that not all manipulation is negative. I should hope parents manipulate their children into being aware of safety.
Even chit-chat could be seen as manipulating each other into “being social” but even I would say that’s a long shot.
I think the definition of manipulation is a bit odd here. Manipulation to me has a connotation of being nonconsensual. If both or all parties are voluntarily participating I wouldn't consider it manipulation.
But I do see what you all mean, conceptually.
Huh, I've never thought of this before... I like your example of chit-chat. Because for some instances, you could say that one engages in it to manipulate the other person into relieving their own anxiety from being silent around others. Or forcing the other person to give up their personal interests, or, more cynically, making the other person think you are interested.
I've never thought of communication like this before but now I'm going to manipulate everyone in real life into thinking I'm a know it all by telling them this lol