Dark Forest Theory – Scams and Scam Victims – 2024
Dark Forest Theory – Scams and Scam Victims
Understanding a Sociological Avoidance Behavior in Scam Victims and Their Desire to Avoid Notice
Primary Category: Sociology of Scam Victimization
Author:
• Tim McGuinness, Ph.D. – Anthropologist, Scientist, Director of the Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc.
About This Article
The Dark Forest Theory, viewed through a sociological and anthropological lens, suggests that in environments of uncertainty or competition, entities—whether civilizations or individuals—remain hidden to avoid exposing vulnerabilities and risking exploitation or harm.
This concept is rooted in survival strategies where distrust and fear of unknown others drive defensive, secretive behavior. When applied to human interactions, particularly in the realm of scams, the theory explains why victims, after being deceived, might isolate themselves to avoid further manipulation.
