
Spoiler alert: This post contains insights into series 3 of The Traitors UK. Proceed with caution if you’re not caught up!
I’ll admit it: I’m utterly obsessed with The Traitors. From the very first season, the intrigue, audacious deception, and Claudia Winkleman’s fringe—a national treasure in its own right—had me utterly transfixed. Each episode feels like a masterclass in human behaviour, with contestants navigating a minefield of trust and betrayal.
But this season, my perspective has shifted. Since joining Empathy Studios in October, I’ve been watching through a new lens—one that zooms in on the contestants’ use of empathy. It’s no longer just a game of lies; it’s a fascinating study of human connection, emotional intelligence, and the power of understanding others. Let’s dive into the drama, shall we?
Empathy vs. Emotional Contagion in The Traitors
In The Traitors, the tension between players is palpable, and emotions often run high. At Empathy Studios, we define empathy as: “the skill to understand others and the ability to create space for someone to reveal their authentic self while reserving judgement.” In a game where trust is everything, empathy can be a powerful tool for understanding allies and detecting deception.
However, it's important to distinguish empathy from just solely emotional contagion, which is common in the high-stakes environment of The Traitors. Emotional contagion is the automatic mirroring of another’s emotions—players often "catch" the paranoia, fear, or excitement of the group without fully understanding why.
While emotional contagion can trigger empathy, they are not the same. Emotional contagion is an involuntary reaction, like when the group’s suspicion of a Traitor spreads quickly. Empathy, on the other hand, involves a conscious effort to connect and respond thoughtfully - combining perspective-taking, social awareness and self-awareness.
In The Traitors, empathy isn't imagining yourself in someone else’s shoes. It's about listening and observing without assuming you fully understand their perspective. This is especially important when alliances and motives are constantly shifting. It requires curiosity, patience, and an openness to seeing the world as they do—traits that could make or break your game.

6 Ways Empathy Played Out in The Traitors
This series has been a treasure trove for those who love observing human behaviour—and especially those fascinated by the use of empathy. It has shown how contestants use empathy and emotional intelligence to survive the game, whatever it takes. Here are six ways we saw empathy being used effectively:
1. Reading the Room
Minah’s ability to read the room and steer decisions while keeping her Traitor status hidden was nothing short of masterful. She constantly listened and engaged with others, ensuring she understood the dynamics of the group before making her move (even if Charlotte did then mastermind her exit!).
But even the best observers can misread signals. Joe, ever the sharp eye, convinced the group that a twinkle in Kasim’s eye was a telltale sign of betrayal. The group voted Kasim out, only for him to reveal, with a knowing smile, that he was Faithful all along. Kasim's iconic exit was a moment of pure irony, leaving viewers cackling and contestants rethinking their strategies.
2. Building Trust Through Vulnerability
Jake’s approach to the game involved showing his vulnerable side, an important aspect for leaders to get comfortable with when wanting to connect, empathise and earn the trust of others. Ultimately it allowed him to deflect suspicion, and his authenticity became a powerful shield, proving that openness can be a game-changing tool.
On the flip side, faking vulnerability can backfire spectacularly. Linda’s attempt to feign upset with over-the-top tears only raised suspicion. Her exaggerated performance exposed her Traitor status faster than you can say, “Nice try.”
3. Creating Genuine Connections
Charlotte’s empathy shone through from the start. Her ability to form deep, meaningful bonds with her fellow players was vital to her getting so far. She truly listened and supported others, making everyone feel seen, heard and understood. This genuine connection amplified the emotional impact of her betrayals, which hit harder than a plot twist in a soap opera! Her knack for making everyone feel like they belonged in her tribe was as impressive as it was devastating, especially when she turned the tables.
4. The Double Empathy Problem
Dan, very openly and honestly, opened up about having autism, noting that the way he sees the world is very different and trickles into the way he communicates. Dan repeatedly claimed, with full honesty, that he was here to ‘play the game’ and do whatever it takes to win. The trouble was that, despite being a staunch Faithful, the group ultimately decided he wasn’t a team player. In their eyes, having someone they didn’t fully trust—even if he was on their side—was too great a risk. This led to his banishment and, in turn, highlighted the theory known as ‘The Double Empathy Problem.’
Ultimately, it’s not Dan’s fault that he sees the world differently from those without autism. The issue isn’t just that Dan is misunderstood; both sides struggle to understand each other and communicate effectively. Dan’s journey in The Traitors serves as a powerful reminder that the responsibility to foster understanding and clear communication falls on everyone, not just on the one person who may be different from the rest of the group.

5. Resolving Conflict
Conflict is inevitable in a high-stakes game like The Traitors, and empathy plays a crucial role in diffusing tension. Contestants who excelled in conflict resolution used empathy to mediate disagreements at the roundtable, ensuring group cohesion while subtly steering outcomes in their favour. This skill often separated the strategic players from the emotional reactors (Ahem…Leanne…). The ability to read social cues, validate others' perspectives, and de-escalate heated moments wasn’t just a moral advantage—it was a tactical one. Those who mastered this balance didn’t just survive; they shaped the game itself, proving that in The Traitors, understanding human nature is just as powerful as deception.
6. Strategic Emotional Support
Minah’s mastery of empathy extended to offering just enough emotional support to keep her allies close while subtly guiding decisions in her favour. Her ability to understand and connect with others made her a standout player (yes, even despite letting Charlotte slip under her radar). By balancing warmth with strategy, she built trust while maintaining a clear focus on her game. She knew when to console, when to confide, and when to step back, ensuring she remained a steady presence without getting caught up in unnecessary conflict. This skill made her both a valued ally and a sharp competitor—showing that, in The Traitors, genuine connection and strategic thinking can go hand in hand.
The Big Takeaway
The Traitors isn’t just compulsive viewing; it’s a mirror reflecting the power of empathy in human relationships. Whether used to connect, deceive, or inspire, empathy shapes the game—and our lives—in profound ways that we don’t often give it credit for.
At Empathy Studios, empathy is more than a game strategy. It’s a vital life skill that can strengthen communities, foster resilience, and create meaningful change. Watching The Traitors through this lens has been a reminder of the transformative power of understanding others. And while I’ll never look at the show the same way again, one thing’s for sure: I’m 100% faithful to The Traitors. Bring on series 4!
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