It is not easy to answer such question in a single short phrase. We will take a look at the few terms and a comparison, afterwards the reader will be enable himself/

It is not easy to answer such question in a single short phrase. 

We will take a look at the few terms and a comparison, afterwards the reader will be enable himself/herself/themselves to the answer the question according to his/her/they own perception.

In simple words, Manipulation means " The use of abusive, deceptive, or otherwise exploitive means to obtain the one's self's interests." 

The modern world has adopted the term influencer for the people with the large social media following, capable of influencing others with their content. It does not take a particularly critical mind to recognize the source of this term as advertising. As consumer behaviour evolves, advertisers have taken note and increasingly look to harness the power of influencers to gain attention for products. This is done variously through paid or unpaid sponsorships, promotional Deals and agreements.

In some cases influencers disclose this agreements while, in others, they don't. Ethical questions are again raised, particularly if an influencer is ostensibly just a happy consumer but secretly on the payroll of the company which sells the product.

Surely this whole moral quandary could have been avoided, if advertises instead coined the term manipulator! yes it's hardly surprising that they did not. What this highlights is that, altough people expect advertises to be manipulative. It is still unthinkable that they would admit to it. Instagram stars happily list themselves as influences on their profile page with seemingly no negative connotations.

But the goals of many influencers, especially those work with advertisers, are fundamentally manipulative. It's not even grey area issue. Influencers aim to shift products to their followers in order to make money. It is not possible to know if everyone they influence would benefit from the product, nor is it possible to know their financial situation or any specific circumstances. In this case, the influencer is putting their own interest first. So, we can call it manipulation.

Manipulation does not necessarily include an attempt to harm others. However, it must, to some degree, place one's own goals and interest first. This is the part of puzzle we need to solve.

 Additionally, it is safest and most logical to refer to influence as a parent term of manipulation; one which includes manipulation and other methods of influence, which can be termed as inspiration and emulation. The good substitutive names for manipulation.

Are we being manipulated or influenced?

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