Seven traits of a dark empath – and why you should be wary of them

If a friend or colleague seems weirdly invested in your life, you may be dealing with a dark empath. Empathy is often seen as the glue that binds human relationships – a skill that allows us to connect deeply with others. But what happens when empathy takes a darker turn? Enter the “dark empath”, a term that’s exploded on TikTok with more than 2.

6 million mentions under the #darkempathtok hashtag. Videos with ominous titles such as “When an Empath Goes Dark” suggest this personality type is not just dangerous but uniquely difficult to identify. “A dark empath uses their ability to understand others’ emotions not to connect but to manipulate and control,” says Clare Patterson, a therapist and member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP).



They can be charismatic and attentive, making you feel seen and valued, but beneath the surface, their actions are driven by self-interest rather than genuine care, she explains..