Criminology professor David Wilson has shared insights on how to identify a psychopath, highlighting their most common manipulation tactics. While they may not be easy to spot, he explains that there are key signs to watch for.
He explained, “Psychopaths are experts at mirroring your behavior, making them appear more relatable and trustworthy.
“They are often highly plausible and charming, which helps them blend in effortlessly.
“But the key sign is their need to get close to you as quickly as possible. The closer they get, the more they learn about you, information they then use to manipulate and exploit you for their own benefit.”
David described psychopaths as “very parasitical,” explaining, “They don’t want to expend too much energy, so they learn exactly which buttons to press to live off you, whether that’s by impressing you or manipulating you for money.”
While the term “psychopath” is often thrown around casually, David clarified that only about one in 100 people would meet the clinical criteria for psychopathy, with 90 percent of them being male.
David also delved into the psychology behind serial killers and what drives them to commit such horrific crimes.
“They crave power, often feeling it’s something denied to them in other aspects of their lives,” he explained.
He noted that serial killers always target specific groups of people, adding, “People tend to focus on the biology of the killer, but what’s more important is understanding who they are able to kill. If we analyze these victim groups, we have a better chance of reducing serial murder.”
According to David, serial killers in the UK predominantly target five groups, with four of them consisting mostly of women and girls. The only male group frequently targeted is gay men. The two most commonly victimized groups of women are sex workers and women over the age of 60.
To reduce serial murders, David emphasized the need to challenge homophobia, rethink the policing of sex work, and shift societal attitudes toward older individuals. “Rather than viewing older people as a burden on the state, we should work to give them a voice,” he said.
