Gaslighting is a term often used to describe a form of psychological manipulation, which is employed to create the feeling of doubt in a group or an individual to make them question their own perception and sanity in a bid to destabilise their own beliefs.
On Twitter, some fans suggested there were signs of "manipulation" and "
gaslighting" during the argument.
Another agreed: "If anyone wants to know the meaning of
gaslighting, please flick through the dictionary and find tonight's episode of loveisland and look for Michael."
Recognising the signs of
gaslighting is the first step to recovering from its damaging effects.
The name "
gaslighting" originates from the 1938 play and subsequent film Gaslight by Patrick Hamilton, which tells the story of a devious husband who systematically manipulates the home environment (including dimming the gas lights).
"
Gaslighting" in modern parlance refers to a similar process: the manipulative techniques by which one person may cause another to doubt their sanity.
Brenna Jessie, of Scottish Women's Aid, explained: "
Gaslighting typically forms part of a broader spectrum of abuse.
Rebecca Humphries has not accused Seann Walsh of
gaslighting or emotional abuse, but she has sent out the powerful message to women being controlled that they deserve better.
On the other hand, I was married to an occasionally verbally and physically violent drug addict for 16 years with all the passion, intensity,
gaslighting and insanity that sort of relationship entails.
The term "
gaslighting" is much in vogue these days.
"Lie" and "
gaslighting" are strong words, but they are necessary to use in this case.