"These days, people online call this effortless charm "rizz." But not all charisma is good for us. Some people pull us in not with kindness or skill, but through intimidation, aloofness, and emotional games. Online, this pattern also has a new name: "dark rizz." People with dark rizz might not be "likable" in the traditional sense, but they're strangely compelling. It's almost as if you can't look away. Old Wine in New Bottles None of this is news in psychology."
"None of this is news in psychology. Narcissism, Machiavellianism, psychopathy-these are the traits the term "dark rizz" describes. Narcissists often project confidence so outsized it becomes its own gravity. Machiavellians can project a detached, calculating energy that people mistake for being the smartest person in the room. The fearlessness that comes with psychopathic tendencies? People often read that as someone who's unshakeable, especially when things get chaotic. What's different now is how openly this pattern is being named, normalized, and even celebrated online."
Dark rizz refers to a form of charisma that draws people through intimidation, aloofness, and emotional games rather than genuine warmth or skill. The pattern aligns with Dark Triad traits: narcissism, Machiavellianism, and psychopathy, which can appear as outsized confidence, calculated detachment, or fearless composure. Intermittent reinforcement—alternating attention versus withdrawal—creates a dopamine-driven pull that rewards unpredictability. Dominance-signaling styles capture attention by prioritizing status over empathy. Healthy charisma centers on safety and empathy, while dark charisma relies on making others feel small and controlled, and such patterns are increasingly named and normalized online.
Read at Psychology Today
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