People who are sociopaths and dark empath have heightened sensitivity to other people’s emotions. They are capable of quickly adapting to other people’s feelings. They can be challenged when their boundaries are porous, taking on other people’s stress and pain. 

Those who are empathic possess & not the fake empaths sharp intuitive skills and can see past surface-level impressions in working with people and situations. They are natural healers due to their giving nature and in-depth understanding of human psychology.

Do Dark Empath Exist?

A new study suggests the new dark empath definition, though the number of psychopaths and empaths is minimal. Ninety-one individuals, studied by Nadja Heym and colleagues, were grouped according to their personality types. Four profiles were found.

The “typical” profile (34.4%;) and empathic profile (33.3%) were the two most common. Yet, 19.3% of the study’s sample was dark empaths (individuals with dark personality traits and an elevated level of empathy). The percentage of only dark triad samples was only 13%.

Dark empaths are real people and could even make up 1/5th of the population (though more research needs to be done with a larger sample before such conclusions can be reached). 

5 Signs of The Dark Empath’s Dark Side

Here are the 5 Signs of The Empath’s Dark Side. These are the dark empath characteristics found in all dark empath personalities.

1. Dark Personalities Hijack Cognitive Empathy.

Affective empathy is not the only form of empathy that enables you to viscerally share someone else’s feelings. You can identify the dark empath switch several dark empath signs.

Another aspect of empathy is cognitive empathy, which can understand and know another person’s perspective. The ability to think as if you were another person.

Many dark personalities watch films and television programs obsessively to mimic “normal human responses,” which they call emotional mimicry. Thus, reports from my clients and my own experience show that this is common. They are developing cognitive empathy, therefore. 

In other words, they don’t possess affective empathy & have certain empath humor.

2. They may Appear Forced in their Actions.

Some black empaths become performative to prevent conflicts and keep the peace. You may observe them saying or doing things they don’t believe. Kindness, warmth, and diplomacy will characterize their behavior. It may appear that they are just performing.

When you are an empath, there may be days when you don’t feel like being warm, compassionate, generous, or understanding. It’s fine. In the end, you are human, too. Keeping your feelings in mind is essential. 

So, make sure you take care of yourself. You can still be there for someone who needs your support, but you need to know when and how you are willing to be present. Get in touch with them. 

3. Their Ability may be Exploited.

Every situation has two sides. Dark empaths are empaths merged with dark triad personalities.  According to its surface, it appears to be an upcoming sci-fi movie or fantasy novel. 

The dark empath is real, though. An empath using dark powers manipulates and takes advantage of people, which is a dark side of empaths.

Dark empaths use empathy to lure people close and mine their information. Dark empaths use empathy to generate power over others. There may be an appearance of kindness and warmth from a dark empath

Their carelessness and calculating nature make them seem unfeeling. A person’s habitual behavior can be influenced by an individual who possesses acute focus and precision. 

4. Dark Empath Experience Cognitive Dissonance.

When there is cognitive dissonance, one may have inconsistent beliefs, attitudes, or thoughts. Two conflicting ideas can create mental discomfort. 

If you violate your core beliefs, you may do something unethical. Although it might be perceived as indecision, an empath is practicing self-preservation. 

Conflicting beliefs can be handled in several ways. You can support your opinion by providing sufficient evidence. Outweighing the dissonant idea will help you overcome it. 

Consider, for instance, swapping out your car for an environmentally friendly option or getting a bike if you are concerned about climate change. Put your beliefs into action. Also, empath people sensed dark energy people.

5. Dark Empath Don’t Like Conflict.

Empath and sociopaths tend to avoid conflict or dread it. If you’re sensitive, you’re more likely to be hurt easily. Offhand remarks, even when they’re not directed at you, can have a more profound impact.

In addition to your feelings and reactions, arguments and fights can lead to more distress as well. Besides your own emotions, others’ emotions are being absorbed as well. Even minor disagreements can become hard to handle when you want to resolve everyone’s pain but don’t know how to do so.

Dark Empath: Summary 

Empaths with elevated Dark Triad characteristics may not seem empathic, but not in the way one might assume. Human empathy plays a crucial part in the development of darker traits. 

There are arguably times when dark traits are necessary for survival, arguably at critical points in time. In addition to its generous function, empathy also serves the Machiavellian mind, which needs “intelligence” for appraising and possibly exploiting others.