Self-Proclaimed Leaders and Con Artists: Why People are Hypnotized & Hand Over Control of Their Lives
- DBarrera_813
- 60 minutes ago
- 4 min read
We live in a world filled with voices promising guidance, voices that claim to have special wisdom, secret insight, or a path to freedom. Some are self-proclaimed leaders who project unwavering confidence and attract devoted followers. Others are outright con artists who know how to manipulate that confidence into control.
Their certainty feels magnetic.
For many, it is easier, even comforting, to let someone else take the wheel of our lives. But why does this happen? What is it in our psychology that makes us vulnerable to surrendering control to others?
The Pull of Certainty
Human beings crave certainty. Research in cognitive psychology shows that ambiguity triggers anxiety, while clear answers, even if they are wrong, reduce distress.
Social psychologist Arie Kruglanski described this as our “need for cognitive closure” (Webster & Kruglanski, 1994). When life feels overwhelming, the person who speaks with conviction provides an anchor in the storm. Self-proclaimed leaders and con artists thrive in this space. Their bold claims, even when unrealistic, soothe uncertainty.
Followers are not just hearing advice. They are receiving what feels like manna from heaven. It feels nourishing, reassuring, and often intoxicating.
Authority and Obedience
Classic studies in psychology also explain this pattern. Stanley Milgram’s obedience experiments demonstrated that people are surprisingly willing to defer to authority figures, even when doing so conflicts with their personal values (Milgram, 1963).
The pull of authority can silence doubt.
Self-proclaimed leaders and con artists often position themselves as wise, spiritual, or powerful. When we view someone through this lens of authority, we are more likely to suspend judgment and follow along. The fear of being wrong or excluded often feels greater than the cost of obedience.
Early Roots of Dependence
Developmental psychology helps shed light here as well. As children, we depend on caregivers to interpret the world, to keep us safe, and to tell us what is “right.” This dependence can leave a lasting imprint. If a person grows up in an environment where self-trust was not nurtured, perhaps through criticism, neglect, or rigid structures, it can create a lifelong pattern of looking outward for answers.
A self-proclaimed leader’s confidence, or a con artist’s charisma, can feel like the parent’s authority all over again: both safe and dangerous.
Fear of Being Wrong
Another layer is self-doubt. Albert Bandura’s research on self-efficacy shows that when people do not believe in their own ability to make sound decisions, they seek external guidance (Bandura, 1977).
If at some point we absorbed the belief that “I cannot trust myself,” then the voice of a confident leader or manipulative con artist becomes irresistibly appealing. It offers relief from the heavy burden of choice.
The Head-Spinning Cocktail
All of this creates a cocktail of safety and danger. Following a self-proclaimed leader or con artist feels empowering at first, like having a map when you are lost.
But it can quickly lead to dependency.
In those moments, we have handed over the driver’s seat of our lives to someone else. And while this sometimes leads to growth, it can just as easily lead to ruin.
Reflection: Taking Back the Wheel
The truth is, none of us are immune to this tendency. The pull toward certainty, authority, and guidance is deeply human.
But the work of growth is learning how to sit in the driver’s seat ourselves.
Therapy, coaching, or honest self-reflection can help us rebuild trust in our own decision-making. The answers we seek may not be simple or quick, but they are within reach when we dare to believe in our own capacity.
So, the next time a voice rises up with absolute certainty, ask yourself: Am I handing over my wheel, or am I consulting a guide while still steering my own journey?
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About The Author
My name is Daniel Barrera, M.Ed., C.A.R.T., LPC Associate.
As a licensed professional counselor associate practicing in Texas, I help individuals untangle the roots of complex life challenges and support them in building healthier, more fulfilling relationships—both personally and professionally. Guided by a deep belief in the power of self-awareness and compassion, I offer therapy that goes beyond symptom relief and into the territory of meaningful, lasting change.
Blog Disclaimer
The content on this blog is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, or replace professional mental health care. Reading these posts does not establish a therapeutic relationship, and the information provided should not be used as a substitute for personalized mental health treatment.
If you are experiencing distress, struggling with your mental health, or believe you may have a mental health condition, please consult a licensed mental health professional who can assess your unique situation and provide appropriate guidance.
In case of a mental health emergency, please seek immediate support by contacting 911 or a mental health crisis hotline such as 988, reaching out to a qualified professional, or going to your nearest emergency facility.
References
Bandura, A. (1977). Self-efficacy: Toward a unifying theory of behavioral change. Psychological Review, 84(2), 191–215. https://doi.org/10.1037/0033-295X.84.2.191
Milgram, S. (1963). Behavioral study of obedience. Journal of Abnormal and Social Psychology, 67(4), 371–378. https://doi.org/10.1037/h0040525
Webster, D. M., & Kruglanski, A. W. (1994). Individual differences in need for cognitive closure. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 67(6), 1049–1062. https://doi.org/10.1037/0022-3514.67.6.1049
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