Should We Manipulate People’s Emotions? - Robin May

Should We Manipulate People’s Emotions? - Robin May

by Robin May

Life & Natural Systems Psychology JMPsychologyJMQPsychology: emotions
🎙 Robin May 👥 450K 📅 June 23, 2026 ⏱ 45 min 👁 10K 📄 lecture 🧭 2026-08-03
Available in: English (current) Français

Keywords

emotional manipulationbrain chemistrySSRIspsilocybingut-brain axis

Summary

In this Gresham College lecture, Professor Robin May explores the science and ethics of manipulating human emotions. He begins by arguing that emotional manipulation is already ubiquitous, citing examples like infant crying, personal space, and ambient smells. He then presents the case for deliberate manipulation, highlighting potential benefits in reducing hate crimes and treating mental health disorders. The case against includes historical abuses by dictators and domestic manipulation. May then surveys biological methods of manipulation, including mood stabilizers like lithium, antidepressants (SSRIs), and psychoactive drugs like MDMA and psilocybin, discussing their mechanisms and clinical promise. He also examines natural examples of manipulation by pathogens like Toxoplasma gondii and rabies, and touches on brain-computer interfaces such as Neuralink. Finally, he discusses the gut-brain axis and the role of diet and microbiome in mood regulation, concluding with a reflection on personal identity and the influence of our microbial inhabitants.

147 words

Critical Evaluation

The lecture provides a comprehensive and engaging overview of emotional manipulation, balancing scientific depth with accessibility. Professor May’s expertise in infectious disease lends credibility to his discussion of pathogen-induced behavioral changes, such as Toxoplasma and rabies. He effectively uses real-world studies, like the New York subway stress experiment and the French bakery glove study, to illustrate subtle emotional influences. The ethical discussion is nuanced, acknowledging both potential benefits (e.g., mental health treatment) and dangers (e.g., abuse, dictatorship). However, the lecture occasionally lacks specific citations for some claims, and the treatment of complex topics like SSRIs and psilocybin is necessarily simplified. The title accurately reflects the content, and the lecture successfully stimulates critical thinking about the implications of emotional manipulation. Overall, it is a valuable resource for understanding the intersection of neuroscience, ethics, and daily life.

135 words

Title / Content Match

The title accurately reflects the lecture's focus on the ethics and science of emotional manipulation.

Quality & Reliability

8/10

Lecture by a professor of infectious disease, drawing on peer-reviewed studies and clinical trials, with balanced ethical discussion. Some claims lack specific citations, but overall scientifically sound.

Key Moments

Markers derived by PSI from the transcript: the creator did not define chapters.

Cited Sources

  • Gresham College — Institution hosting the lecture
  • Lecture page on Gresham College — Official page for this lecture
  • Q&A session — Follow-up discussion

Concurring Sources

  • Gut-brain axis — Supports the discussion on microbiome and mood
  • Toxoplasma gondii — Supports the claims about the parasite's prevalence and potential behavioral effects

Contribution & Novelties

The lecture provides a broad synthesis of current knowledge on emotional manipulation, integrating evolutionary biology, neuroscience, and ethics. It highlights the ubiquity of emotional manipulation in daily life and the potential of emerging technologies like brain-computer interfaces and microbiome interventions. The discussion of pathogen-induced behavioral changes offers a unique perspective on the extent of external influences on our emotions.

Pour aller plus loin :

  • Toxoplasma gondii and behavior — Overview of the parasite and its potential effects on human behavior.
  • Gut-brain axis — Explanation of the bidirectional communication between the gut and brain.
  • Psilocybin for PTSD — Recent clinical trial on psilocybin-assisted therapy for PTSD.

105 words

Radar Profile

The radar profile shows high scores in information quantity and quality, with moderate technical level and reliability. This indicates a well-balanced lecture that is informative and credible, though not overly technical.

Reliability 8/10