Isn't the "mind control" model how things actually work a lot of the time though? Like, say you tell me you're running some errands and I ask you to pick up some snacks for me at the store. It may not seem like it, but I totally just manipulated you into doing something you weren't going to do originally, likely for some vaguely defined "favor" you might be able to call in later.
I've never understood the reluctance of gamers to admit that master manipulators are a thing in real life; they're always worried about their NPC's giving away vast amounts of wealth or whatnot, usually saying "no one would really do that" or "such tricks don't really work IRL".
I mean, sure, it's part of our psychology, we don't like to be tricked, or to think that we could be, but you don't have to look very far to find examples of people who have conned millions of dollars from others.
Even the most hidebound individuals can be led to believe, truly, madly, deeply from within their heart of hearts in something that simply isn't true, as long as it conforms to their particular worldview. So I would think part of a social challenge would involve trying to find that weak point and use it to your advantage, not unlike noticing a gambler's "tell" in a high-stakes poker game.