YSI‑YCI‑YFI
An acronym for “You Started It – You Continued It – You Finished It,” a framework used in online conflict to establish a timeline of responsibility and to counter the common tactic of reacting to provocation and then being blamed as the aggressor. The victim documents that the other party initiated (YSI), escalated (YCI), and concluded (YFI) the conflict, leaving the victim’s responses as defensive reactions. YSI‑YCI‑YFI is often used to fight banlighting and PADARVO tactics, providing a clear record of who actually drove the abuse.
Example: “When she was accused of ‘starting drama,’ she pulled up the timeline—YSI‑YCI‑YFI: he sent the first message, he escalated when she didn’t reply, and he reported her after she finally responded.”
YSI-YCI-YFI
A manipulative tactic—often used in banlighting and PADARVO—where the perpetrator accuses the target of being the one who “started it,” “continued it,” or “finished it,” regardless of the actual timeline. By claiming “You started it,” the abuser frames any initial reaction or boundary-setting as the original aggression. “You continued it” is used when the target refuses to stop defending themselves, casting persistence as provocation. “You finished it” weaponizes the target’s final response—often a justified outburst—as the definitive act that “proved” their toxicity. The perpetrator cycles through these accusations as needed, shifting the blame onto the target for every phase of the conflict. YSI‑YCI‑YFI effectively erases the perpetrator’s own role by projecting it entirely onto the victim, making them appear to be the sole source of conflict and therefore deserving of banning or exclusion.
Example: “After weeks of baiting, she finally replied. He reported her with the note ‘She started it.’ When she showed evidence of his provocation, he added ‘She continued it by arguing.’ When she gave up and left, he told the mods ‘She finished it by leaving dramatically.’ YSI‑YCI‑YFI: using every phase of the conflict to blame the victim.”
YSI-YCI-YFI
A manipulative tactic—often used in banlighting and PADARVO—where the perpetrator accuses the target of being the one who “started it,” “continued it,” or “finished it,” regardless of the actual timeline. By claiming “You started it,” the abuser frames any initial reaction or boundary-setting as the original aggression. “You continued it” is used when the target refuses to stop defending themselves, casting persistence as provocation. “You finished it” weaponizes the target’s final response—often a justified outburst—as the definitive act that “proved” their toxicity. The perpetrator cycles through these accusations as needed, shifting the blame onto the target for every phase of the conflict. YSI‑YCI‑YFI effectively erases the perpetrator’s own role by projecting it entirely onto the victim, making them appear to be the sole source of conflict and therefore deserving of banning or exclusion.
Example: “After weeks of baiting, she finally replied. He reported her with the note ‘She started it.’ When she showed evidence of his provocation, he added ‘She continued it by arguing.’ When she gave up and left, he told the mods ‘She finished it by leaving dramatically.’ YSI‑YCI‑YFI: using every phase of the conflict to blame the victim.”
YSI‑YCI‑YFI by Abzugal Nammugal Enkigal March 25, 2026
Get the YSI‑YCI‑YFI mug.