Methodology

How Toxispy detects rhetorical manipulation.

Toxispy uses language models to analyze text for rhetorical manipulation patterns. Each detected technique is classified by type and rated for severity.

The manipulation score is calculated as the number of detected tricks multiplied by their individual severity, relative to the text length.

Low — decorative rhetoric, not harmful
Medium — persuasion techniques that distort framing
High — manipulative patterns designed to override critical thinking

No automated system is perfect. Toxispy may miss subtle manipulation or flag legitimate rhetorical techniques. The tool is designed to assist human judgment, not replace it.