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If someone consistently makes you doubt your memory of digital interactions, that itself is a form of abuse. Trust your experience.
Making You Doubt Yourself Online
Someone uses technology to make you question your own memory and perception — deleting messages then denying they existed, changing settings then blaming you, or rewriting digital history.
What You Might Notice
Things you remember seeing or reading online seem to have disappeared
Messages, posts, or settings you clearly remember are gone.
The other person insists events didn't happen the way you remember
They have a different version of a digital interaction you were part of.
Your device settings keep changing and you're told you must have done it yourself
Changes you didn't make are attributed to your own confusion.
What You Can Do
Start keeping a private journal of digital interactions
Write down what happened, when, in your own words. A handwritten journal can't be remotely altered.
Screenshot important conversations immediately
Don't wait — capture the evidence before it can be changed or deleted.
Trust your own experience
If your memory consistently differs from what the other person tells you, take that seriously.
Important: This resource provides general information, not personal advice. Every situation is different. The actions suggested here may not be safe in your specific circumstances — particularly if the person causing harm could notice changes to your devices or accounts. Always consider your physical safety first.
If you need personalised support, contact 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732) or your local specialist domestic violence service. If you are in immediate danger, call 000.
Manipulating digital records, device settings, files, or other digital artifacts to make victim doubt their own memory, perception, or sanity. Includes moving or deleting files, editing shared documents, changing device settings, manipulating photo timestamps, or altering digital records the victim relies on.
Digital State Documentation Screenshot settings and configurations to establish baseline. Log device states to detect changes.
SAFE-M-0093
External Verification Verify noticed changes with trusted person before doubting own perception.
SAFE-M-0094
Version History Monitoring Enable and check version history on shared documents to detect manipulation.
Detection Indicators
ID
Detection Indicator
SAFE-D-0083
Unexplained Setting Changes Device settings or file locations changed without user action. Check modification timestamps.
SAFE-D-0084
Reality Questioning Pattern Increasing self-doubt about digital actions aligning with adversary's claims.
The TFA Matrix is a research framework under active development. Technique classifications, detection methods, and mitigations reflect current understanding and are subject to revision. This framework does not constitute forensic methodology, legal evidence standards, or clinical diagnostic criteria. Practitioners should apply professional judgement appropriate to their discipline and jurisdiction.