From a spectator’s point of view, it may seem dumb or even funny how cults brainwash the minds of innocent victims. However, from the testimonials of individuals who have been through this ordeal, cult leaders and members can be pretty creative in devising ways to influence or radicalize people from all walks of life. Here are some of the tricks cults use to brainwash people.
Selling Popular Ideas
The first method most cults use to brainwash people is by selling them a popular idea. We all have unique beliefs that we firmly stand by. For instance, some people are committed to social justice, gender equality, free will, freedom of speech, and climate change, amongst others.
Quite often, these beliefs often draw us to specific groups or organizations. For instance, those advocating for climate change may join a local tree-planting organization. Some cults attract crowds by tapping into these beliefs.
A particular organization might approach you online in the name of “making the world a better place”, only for you to later realize that this is far from their objective. In the early meetings, they may talk about things that align with your beliefs. Once they have a hold over your life, they begin persuading you into other practices, such as donating all your money to the “cause” or providing them with free labor. From a rational point of view, most of the ideologies praised by cults do not make sense as they are fictional and unrealistic.
Being Charismatic
Cult leaders tend to be very charismatic and likable. This is another trait that gives them an added advantage when it comes to brainwashing innocent people. Without charisma, it would be impossible for cults to attract crowds in the first place.
From numerous testimonials, people who have been cult members agree to have adored or even worshipped their leaders due to their charisma. These people use their charm to make you feel safe, and in the process, they take total control of their followers.
They are also authoritarian, a trait that comes in handy when ordering people around to do things they wouldn’t usually do. The same leaders have generals or assistants who help spread the ideology. In most cults, there is a hierarchy of power. This element alone creates mystery around the leader, making them more attractive to followers.
Isolation
The other way cults can brainwash people is by isolating them. Cults will tell you that your friends and family are bad people. They may even go to the extent of asking you to move away from your home and join their residence. By keeping people away from their loved ones, they are assured of total control.
At the same time, this reduces contradicting opinions that may stem from friends or family regarding the cult. Once isolated, cults bundle their members into tight groups with the aim of erasing a person’s individuality. Leaders often encourage followers to act as a group and not to think as individuals. They create the narrative of one big family whose decisions are solely made by the leader. Isolation is not only used in cults but also in totalistic groups.
Selling Fear
Fear also plays a crucial role in the brainwashing process. Remember the charismatic leader everyone likes? They often transition between two key emotions: love and fear. The thing about fear is that people do not run away from the emotion itself. They run, looking for safety.
This is why when you are afraid of something, you’ll most likely run to a loved one. Now that the cult has isolated everyone from you, the next best person you’ll run to when afraid is the “loving” leader of the cult.
For instance, failing to do what the leader commands might result in banishment from the cult. Because of the fear of being alone, most followers are left hopeless. If this pattern is repeated several times, that affects the victim’s ability to think logically. Another way cult leaders spread fear is through constant criticism. With no one to go to when criticized, the cult becomes their safe haven. There are a lot of fear-arousing techniques used by cults. A worthy mention includes the oncoming end of the world.
The Key Takeaway
All these factors contribute to the creation of naïve followers who are willing to forego their survival needs because of the cult. Brainwashing is a societal vice that often goes unpunished, yet its effects are quite destructive.
Every day on the news, there are stories of parents who neglect or even abuse their kids because of cults. Some are even recruited into human and sex trafficking, not to mention other crimes such as money laundering and fraud.
The good news is that brainwashing is a reversible process. Many people have been able to get themselves out of cults and have led fulfilling lives. This usually requires the help of a third party (non-cult member) who will help you look at reality and life in general from a different angle.
At the same time, it’s also essential to remember that not everybody is recruited into a cult. Some are born into these groups, and others are forcefully recruited. This is why governments and societies must keep an eye on pathological leaders and their organizations.