The classic psychological games by Eric Berne — and how the same patterns live on today in social media algorithms, influencer dynamics, and viral formats.
Eric Berne described in "Games People Play" (1964) recurring, unconscious interaction patterns that people play to obtain psychological payoffs — confirmation, blame-shifting, experience substitutes. Each game has a hidden agenda, defined roles, and a predictable outcome.
Algorithms reward emotional reactions: outrage, pity, feelings of superiority, being desired. The digital stage amplifies Berne's games to millions — what was once played behind closed doors now goes viral. The pattern remains the same; only the scale explodes.
The mind map links to all game cards, grouped by Life Games, Marital Games, Party Games, Sexual Games, Underworld Games, Consulting Room Games, and Good Games. The complete text structure follows in the categories below the graphic.
