

If you’re trying to convince a child to wash their hands, does that count as manipulation? You’re essentially trying to persuade someone to do something they don’t want to do. Sure, the intention isn’t malicious, but the methods are clearly manipulative.

That term has some negative baggage. I think we need to use a neutral word l like persuasion or influencing when talking about situations that don’t involve malicious intent. The way I see it, all of these terms still involve the same kinds of tools and methods. More often than not, changing an emotion results in the desired action.