# 21. Visual + Symbolic Manipulation ## 21.5 Methodology/Refinements/Sub-species ### 21.5.4. Placebo buttons This is a small but important sub-type of symbolic manipulation, where a victim is presented with symbol labelled options which actually don't do anything. They exist to act as placebos to the victim. An example is a customer service department. It only exists to create the impression that someone is listening, that the company cares and values its customers even if the voice at the company's end is pre-recorded. The symbolism is important because it creates the impression of honesty and respectability. When you ring the much vaunted customer service number you get to hear a friendly robotic voice telling you to press 1 for Accounts, 2 for Complaints etc. The impression created is at least comforting.