Society, or a social group become the instruments of the narcissist. The fostering, propagation and enhancement of an atmosphere of fear, intimidation, instability, unpredictability and irritation. There are no acts of traceable or provable explicit abuse, nor any manipulative settings of control. Yet, the irksome feeling remains, a disagreeable foreboding, a premonition, a bad omen. In the long term, such an environment erodes one's sense of self worth and self esteem.
Self confidence is shaken badly.
Often, the victims adopts a paranoid or schizoid stance and thus render themselves exposed even more to criticism and judgement.