Manipulation of the truth can alter your reality.  Those that morph the truth make their perspectives matter.  They can overcome logic and common sense.

You may be unduly influenced by these so-called masters of reality and need to guard against overt levels of influence in order to retain your personal perspective and identity

Influence or Manipulation

All of us tend to attempt to elicit change in others’ perspectives (on and off) together with their associated behaviors, typically to our benefit.  This practice of exerting control can be considered natural and reasonable behavior, or not depending on intent.

Influence occurs when we openly have an effect on the character, development, or behavior of someone or something.  Manipulation is the exerting of control on a person or situation cleverly, unfairly, or unscrupulously.

Integrity

Those of us with strong personal values, being honest and having strong moral principles can sometimes be at a disadvantage relative to those that don’t.

If honest, moral behavior which conforms to cultural norms is not high on your list of personal values it becomes easier for you to manipulate others in that manipulative behavior typically requires some level of moral suspension.

Being of good character with high personal standards does not mean you need to be a target for the manipulators but it does require you to be on greater guard to identify when someone is playing politics for their own gain.

It is important, from a self preservation perspective to guard against those that seek control through manipulation.