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Are people over-using the term "narcissist" (and "gaslighting" for that matter)?

Asked by Demosthenes (14922points) October 16th, 2021

I’m seeing the accusation of “narcissism” all over the internet. Everyone’s ex boyfriend is a narcissist. Everyone’s former friend is a narcissist. Everyone’s troublesome adult child or distant parent is a narcissist. Narcissistic personality disorder is certainly a real mental issue and I am not denying its reality. But I do think accusations of narcissism are being thrown around too freely to label anyone someone has a problem with, anyone who has called out their BS or rejected them or disagreed with them. It’s also telling that no one seems to ever admit to being a narcissist, but if there are this many out there, surely some of the people making the accusation are a pot calling the kettle black.

I have a similar problem with “gaslighting”. Gaslighting is a form of psychological abuse in which you cause someone to doubt their sanity. But I am seeing this term all over the internet, particularly when someone is an argument or debate that they’re losing. Gaslighting is not a term to describe someone who makes you question your beliefs or posts an argument you have trouble responding to.

Let’s not cheapen these terms that describe real problems.

(Sorry this is kind of a rant/PSA. But feel free to comment with any observations you have).

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