Vulnerability plays a significant role in attracting individuals to cults, as people at certain points in their lives are more susceptible to joining groups that provide a sense of community. Cults can appeal to a diverse range of individuals, unrelated to religious beliefs, by offering ideologies that resonate with their personal values or interests. The process of joining a cult often begins innocently, seeking community or personal growth, but gradually leads to deeper involvement in the group. Despite the positive qualities of individuals who join cults, the impact of their dedication is largely ineffective in the world outside the cult, causing a sense of disappointment and loss potential.
Popular culture is endlessly fascinated with cults, and they have the capacity to make ordinary people do unthinkable things.
Today - how cults reel people in, how coercive control keeps them there and what it takes to get out.
This episode was first broadcast in October 2022.
And if you enjoyed listening, you should check out our episode The History of Brainwashing.