Your Undivided Attention How To Free Our Minds — with Cult Deprogramming Expert Dr. Steven Hassan
25 snips
May 5, 2022 Dr. Steven Hassan, a leading authority on undue influence and brainwashing, shares insights from his past as a member of the Unification Church. He discusses how cults and social media use emotional manipulation and personal narratives to control minds. The conversation dives into the dangers of absolute beliefs, the importance of critical thinking, and how sleep deprivation can distort perceptions. Dr. Hassan emphasizes the healing power of former cult members' stories and the need for greater awareness of manipulation in today's digital age.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Honey Trap Recruitment
- Dr. Hassan was recruited into the Moonies through a honey trap, where attractive women flirted with him and elicited personal information.
- They love-bombed him and deceptively denied being part of a religious group.
Building Trust Through Similarity
- Cults exploit human desires for belonging and affirmation. They match individuals with similar people to build trust and make you feel comfortable.
Coincidence and Commitment
- After the second night, Hassan was pressured to attend a weekend workshop, despite his work commitments. A sudden change in his schedule created a false sense of destiny.
