The Illusory Superiority Trap is a psychological manipulation tactic where you make someone believe they are more intelligent, skilled, or knowledgeable than they actually are. Once they have this inflated self-image, they are less likely to question their decisions—or yours. It works because of cognitive biases like the Dunning-Kruger Effect, where people with low ability overestimate themselves while true experts tend to doubt their skills. How It Works in Manipulation 1. Flatter Their Intelli