Why do people join cults? - Janja Lalich

View full lesson: ed.ted.com/lessons/why-do-peop...
Today, there are thousands of cults around the world. Broadly speaking, a cult is a group or movement with a shared commitment to a usually extreme ideology that’s typically embodied in a charismatic leader. But what exactly differentiates cults from other groups - and why do people join them? Janja Lalich describes how cults recruit and manipulate their members.
Lesson by Janja Lalich, animation by Globizco.

[@peronkop]

No cult member will ever admit they belong to a cult.

[@uncleadolf2300]

Like the fanatical devotees of the great and almighty flying spaghetti monster.

[@cheezdoodls5084]

peronkop M E Y E R I S M

[@blubber608]

Muhammad saws war pädophil na und? Atheism isn't a religion by the definition of a religion.

[@TheDorkShop]

the members of the first pastafarian cult of denver admit that they belong to a cult

[@fortifiedemo3953]

Kikimakashi Fire funny

[@popcorncolonel726]

My mom: You should join a club! It’s a great way to make friends! Me:

[@Yorick257]

Sounds like a cult!

[@kl1934]

It's an early access cult!

[@sacraficioyee2565]

Thats what i was thinking when my mom told me to go to drinking rehabilitation

[@HaHa-gg9dl]

@@sacraficioyee2565 Yo, if you're an alcoholic you should actually attempt to stop yo!

[@sacraficioyee2565]

@@HaHa-gg9dl nah just makin a joke in poor taste (:

[@TheIGITnBLUE]

DO not underestimate how tenacious these people can be. I never joined a cult, but I was hounded before by a cult to the point of having stalkers and death threats. Be careful people.

[@Susieq26754]

Fear of man will prove to be a snare, whoever trusts in the Lord Jesus Christ will remain safe. Proverbs 29:25

[@Susieq26754]

Psalm 15:50 Call upon me in the day of trouble: I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify me.

[@Susieq26754]

Isaiah 41:10 Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.

[@kevinjacob2652]

@@Susieq26754 dude why do you keep posting these stuff?

[@redblushinrose]

@@kevinjacob2652 the cult found him

[@Shuang_Shuang]

It's often left out of the story that the people in Jonestown were forced to drink the poison by guards pointing firearms at them... Many knew they were gonna die and didn't want to, but they felt they had no choice, which they really didn't.

[@g.anthonybenjamin281]

Exactly

[@bbrake]

If you read "Stories From Jonestown," the picture it paints (by former members AKA survivors) is more complex and less clear. As a cult, many people WERE very indoctrinated, and they had done practice runs of the "White Night" (sans the arsenic). It had become ritualized, a known way to make something normalized A couple of the survivors were really freaked out by the bodies having been arranged, as that was not known to be a part of it... Point is, "armed guards" were only one part of it. It's not like any of the bodies had bullet holes in them. Even among the people still in the US, one family locked themselves in their home and drank the poison, and Jones's sons were very active in STOPPING more deaths. Sadly they couldn't reach the Jonestown residents. Crazy stuff, man...

[@mso1ps4]

The majority weren't forced. The children were administered poison by their parents and willfully took it afterwards. Armed guards were present, but they were not at gunpoint. Perhaps the last few who paniced were threatened. They literally had late-night mass suicide training sessions.

[@official-obama]

Woah... That's bad...

[@kylestefan5983]

Which is a terrible shame especially since it’s become such a thing as “don’t drink the kool aid” as a reference to mass suicide when it should be remembered as mass murder. Those who didn’t drink the poison were shot

[@jkerman5113]

Also, cults never refer to themselves as a cult. No, we're just a friendly congregation, a group of people. But never a cult.

[@TonyAA33]

@@Daisy-kg4ho I'm pretty sure they are joking tho

[@Daisy-kg4ho]

Ayy lmao Yeah we are, but I mean at this point how are we not a cult.

[@TonyAA33]

@@Daisy-kg4ho wait, your with them?

[@mrpellagra2730]

@@Daisy-kg4ho I am sure that is a joke cu...Wait, wtf...

[@purestyle8857]

Um, duh?

[@NokthulaMadondo]

I just feel sorry for the kids being dragged into this madness.

[@dominic2123]

Nokthula Madondo Religions. They don’t give the children the right to decide for themselves. Obviously as they get older, they get to decide. However, by then, they have years of connection which is hard to part with. Not to mention their friends and family. Looking at you, Christianity, Islam, etc. I don’t see a logical reason as to why people are NOT agnostic. Clownery.

[@sacauntos2056]

@@dominic2123 Nobody forces you to chose your religion.

[@forestreee]

Pablo Nicolas many, many people are blackmailed, mostly by close people like parents and close relatives, into being into a particular religion. Since birth, at least here in India, one is taught that his or her religion is the best in the world. If I were not in a diverse city like Mumbai and did not have access to the internet, I'm pretty sure I would have become one who thinks people who eat non veg are bad and you should never marry someone outside your caste(I don't believe in such things, but this was literally the propaganda I have heard. Luckily my parents never believed in this) but imagine those kids who were never exposed to the world. I bet many people would stop taking medicines if they found that certain medications are made using animal products. Basically, in many places children are so filled with propaganda and emotional abuse that although legally one can leave his religion, one will have to leave his close ones. It really toils on you emotionally and without some close friends or someone who can support you in your move, one can easily enter into depression.

[@pepper4632]

Nokthula Madondo Thanks

[@pynman9170]

@@dominic2123 What is cult like with Christianity? I can see islam but Christianity dude..... come on

[@dileepkumar-td6xv]

Being in india i can very well relate to this. Cult leaders are so famous here-people like sadhguru and baba ramdev have millions of followers . I hope one day my people regain their common sense !!

[@ungaaatioo2359]

Wait sadhuguru has now a cult?

[@made2trick]

@@ungaaatioo2359 apparently anything you yourself aren't subscribed to is a cult? What a joke

[@ungaaatioo2359]

@@made2trick i just asked. I dont watch him daily that's why. No need to snap. I am just curious

[@made2trick]

@@ungaaatioo2359 haha i replied it to you instead of the other guy. i was defending you

[@swdrre-upload5423]

How is someone like sadhguru who encourage skeptical thinking and have been interviewed by many major institution and famous scientist being a cult leaders? I guess you're one of Joe catholic's friends

[@NjVV-ub7qn]

So, apparently my family was in a cult before I was born and I heard the story from my sisters. It sounded really horrific and creepy. They would hold prayer sessions at our house and have at turn hundreds of people in the living room. They would all eat and feed each other from 1 big plate and the worst part is the children were forced to be a part of this! My sister didn’t want to be fed by strange people she didn’t know but she was scolded for refusing. It’s honestly really weird.

[@LegoEngineer003]

“We could make a religion out of this” -bill wurtz

[@longliveskydney]

"no, don't"

[@thefricking5407]

Text below me will become a religion

[@user-xq8gw9hb8u]

*You only eat cheese and drink orange juice*

[@holyinquisition8854]

i kinda hate this meme, tbh. I know it's a joke but you can start great disaster with a joke.

[@AlexGameOver_13]

@@user-xq8gw9hb8u GOD HAS SPOKEN TO THIS PERSON

[@machiavelli8611]

"they drank the cool-aid" is such an interesting phrase.

[@mahbubmaleksyed5301]

DELICIOUS

[@elibreezy]

Yea I thought it was don’t drink the cool aid

[@jodyguilbeaux8225]

thats where the phrase came from

[@honestmagafanhonestbillsfa452]

That sounds good.

[@griffintattongeyer2949]

@@elibreezy that's the idea

[@Tenfoldoncesaid]

Heart goes out to any friends or family of those in a cult. Keep being there for them and pressing in

[@LegoLordPro]

This surprisingly applies very well with today's internet influencers as well. Not all of them, but most tend to have this type of cult habit to them. Have any of you noticed this?

[@HPTeguh]

"Believing in something should not come at the cost of your family and friends" true 100%

[@FOY43]

What about political beliefs?

[@HPTeguh]

@@FOY43 in my opinion. This is especially applied to political beliefs

[@hedgie9823]

Another good one is "people who don't want you to think are not your friends" or something like that

[@badape5802]

True for you, my friend

[@jodyguilbeaux8225]

exactly

[@YouGotDucked]

"the law can stop dangerous cults" also the law: *accepts bribes to leave cults open*

[@a.person1805]

Hey, it said can. Not will. Now gimme _money_.

[@sisatici155]

I don't think accepting bribe is legal

[@SpinningTurtle66]

sisatici No scheiße

[@ekulgar]

@Aika Papa uhh no?

[@grantno308]

kzbin.info/door/LDPjq0bVvLg-CsRJAwnbgg

[@dyannatodd2270]

For such a serious topic, the art style in this one is beautiful!

[@Estee.Ar.6869]

Thank you TED-Ed for educating the public about cults. I was in the Jehovah's Witnesses cult.

[@imlistening1137]

This video should be shown every year to students in grades 7-12.

[@kevinteabagamee2020]

Holy frick yes, kids need to learn to judge to world for themselves cause at that age everybody is doing the thinking for them and they wouldn’t know the difference between a language arts lesson and an indoctrination camp.

[@imlistening1137]

@@taliesinhalliday teaching children what a cult is, would be indoctrinating them? I don't follow you.

[@DiXtionRap]

@@taliesinhalliday how is telling kids what a cult is leftwing? The video is an unbiased, non-politcal explanation of the characteristics of a cult, not an ideological position or talking point.

[@stinkyfishy]

Pardon me, _Greg is not a cult_

[@selahanany5645]

this is very good in theory, but in practice repeating the same thing every year only numbs kids to it.

[@adelleambrose]

I was born into a cult and was part of it for the first almost 15.5 years of my life. I've only been out of it for almost a couple of years. I'm still trying to retrain my brain from purging what I was taught there. Cults are dangerous, toxic places. Everyone should be informed. Informative video, thank you.

[@dani-nc6px]

I recently saw a mini movie on youtube called "mind control made easy". It's terrifyingly accurate. It's phrased as a guide but I think it's an accurate video on what to avoid and red flags of a group. So happy you're safe from that cult. You're very strong. Good luck and best wishes

[@keystrokes2516]

I wanna join one it sounds p cool

[@saumya7612]

@@keystrokes2516 Don't! It's not cool and you will end up getting manipulated into things you can't imagine rn. You might never be the same again. Even if it's not a very damaging cult, it's gonna take up unnecessary space in your head and distract you from important things. There's no need of a cult to anyone unless.

[@asher-360]

Saumya Honestly, are cults _ever_ positive? 5:05

[@Krystleanne7]

Same here, from the time I was 2 until 15, but I left and never looked back. My sister unfortunately never had that chance and she is still in it and most likely will be for the rest of her life. It's all conditioning, brainwashing, fear mongering, and isolation. Glad you got out.

[@iheartwoonhak]

Thank you for clarifying that not all religious people are cults. 😭💞

[@bjornconchobar7546]

Same thing.. just different labels

[@Caroleonus]

@@bjornconchobar7546 not at all. Non-cultish religious movements don't involve ostracising you from family and friends and making your entire identity revolve around it, and also encourage individual believers to think for themselves, come to their own conclusions and find their own place in the belief system - and will have no qualms about letting you leave.

[@KyleGD]

very true. i had time to think whether being a catholic or completely atheist, nonetheless it was going to be my OWN CHOICE, nobody ever gave me those to choose but me.@@Caroleonus

[@morbillionaire2785]

@@Caroleonus and cultish religion dont encourage thier followers to question thier because of cognitive dissonace Cultish people blindly follow thier faith even if it is bad for the progressive society

[@jayneking8340]

I HIGHLY recommend showing this simple video to your family and church's youth group.

[@ingwarlothbrok7187]

If you don't think for yourself, somebody will do the thinking for you.

[@p.r.9982]

Yes I agree. But we should also remain humble about our ability to see clearly, all of us have rough seasons, which weaken us. We are especially vulnerable in rough times, losses (death), breakups, painful life transitions, divorces etc. Even I as an independent thinker, I got duped during that time. But within a couple of months I figured out what I had gotten into. Thankfully I didn't "join" them (membership) but playing the game until you can plan your exit is vital, because these looney tunes follow and abuse you. Please have compassion for those who fall for this. :)

[@bighands69]

Cults work because there are a number of people in a society that have lower IQ.

[@p.r.9982]

Very educated and smart people are in cults. I used to think like you until I was trapped in one. I met extremely smart people there. People are sucked into cults when they meet recruiters at vulnerable moments in their lives (jobloss, family issues/divorce, traumas etc).

[@19869babygirl]

Ultimate Warrior great insight!

[@sleepn_on_me2473]

@@p.r.9982 im going through a VERY hard time right now.... but never would i succumb to such self centered ideologies

[@Milestonemonger]

Whether it's a Cult, a club, a team, or ISIS, it all stems from the need to belong.

[@missmoxie9188]

Yes

[@missmoxie9188]

Zol z the words share a Latin root

[@auroraborealis3357]

100% accurate

[@harlowitter3060]

True, only cults just want to separate and control people, and most clubs are easier to leave if you want to than ISIS or cults.

[@tree6835]

In my own experience, that's not actually true. I was in a religious cult, and devotion to what they thought was religious truth drove them (at least, much more significantly than a need to belong). However, I also think many of them used religious dogma to justify and rationalize their actions, instead of fundamentally motivating them, and so what fundamentally drove them may not have been religious devotion, but something else, such as a need to belong -- although, if we are to talk of fundamental human drives, just from my own observations of people in the cult, it felt more like a need for meaning or a need to rebel against the Christianity they were raised in (and have been disappointed with) that drove them to do the horrible things they did.

[@disco_depression]

As someone who found out I was being recruited into a cult this hits hard. Imagining all the things I could've ended up as.

[@Ayeohx]

I know that you tried to say cults are different from established religions but your explanation about what a cult is is what I experienced as an evangelical christian.

[@hmm7458]

and i draw some commonality with soviet Russia

[@theshlauf]

I was also raised in an evangelical church and I get what you mean. It's not as overt as the cults that make the news. But there are definitely ... familiar aspects.

[@eisa_6185]

I learnt in psychology that we follow orders and sometimes don’t feel bad for taking them even if it’s a cruel thing we’re ordered to do bc we don’t feel we’re responsible for them.

[@blauwbeer556]

there was this expirament which a person would ¨¨¨¨¨¨¨¨¨¨¨shock¨¨¨¨¨¨¨¨¨¨¨ another person if they get something wrong, even when they were ¨¨¨¨¨¨¨¨¨¨¨¨unresponsive¨¨¨¨¨¨¨¨¨¨¨

[@chiggywiggy524]

That cow is cute though in your profile pic. Does it has a name?

[@merro2867]

@@blauwbeer556 is it Milgram's study on Obedience?

[@Star_faring]

@@merro2867 I think it is called Authority Bias.

[@stephenkaylor4311]

Protocol and ethics - to keep a job.

[@JacksG13]

"Cults cut you off from your family and friends." My dude, I was born 2nd generation in a cult. The only people I knew growing up were members. Running away to leave the cult is exactly what cut me off from everything I had ever known.

[@ipapergrey6654]

I hope you were able to find a better life outside the cult

[@invurret9533]

Same

[@EmilyOswego]

True, but even within a cult, they can cut you off by "stationing" you somewhere else away from family just to make you feel isolated and dependent on the people they choose. Still, I'm always blown away by the courage of those who leave. That must have been extremely difficult.

[@user-sd8ux3vz3v]

It must be very uneasy for you.

[@785jrtasanG]

Go back and join the lunacy

[@alkizarthewise77]

Excellent video - it is missing musicians and politicians in their ability to coerce and persuade cult like followers. This is is huge right now and should certainly be added to the content of this excellent expose. Keep up the great work - Cheers~

[@ramirovazquez2282]

"I've been involved with a number of cults, both as a leader and as a follower. You have more fun as a follower but you make more money as a leader." -Creed Bratton

[@KompadoodleLEL]

haha i was just watching the office before this

[@michaelg4024]

This video hits really close to home. I grew up in a cult and it has inflicted a lot of psychological problems for me even up until today, years after I left the cult. The cult has robbed me of a chance for having a normal childhood and a proper education. The cult has broken my family apart and leaving me with a strained relationship towards my family. They still spout the cult's propaganda at me and pressures me to rejoin them. I know that they are victims as well, but I don't think I can ever forgive my parents for subjecting me to what I went through. Thank you TED-Ed for making this video and I hope more people could see this video and be educated towards cults and how they work.

[@Veronica-kw2vj]

Zqq0qwqww0qa

[@mehmetefe4224]

Buddy, you was act so strong. Thats really amazing. keep going like me... like us

[@sophieaugustine3884]

I am SO sorry you have to deal with that. It cuts deep and absolutely is terrible. Best of luck ♥️

[@acardinalconsideration824]

I hope you’re doing better nowadays, you’re an incredibly strong person, I can’t even imagine how horrific that must’ve been for you

[@user-ib1dx4dh3n]

Let me guess, christianity?

[@ishan1789]

Criteria of a cult: 1. Founder(s) has/have more advantages than the rest of the members 2. Severe punishment for leaving it (death is a prime example) 3. Discourages critical thinking and criticism often punishing those who criticize the cult

[@theinternetpolice2078]

Sounds like North Korea.

[@deeplysuperficial1637]

sounds like the original catholic church

[@kiselapavlaka7652]

@@theinternetpolice2078 North Korea is not as bad as american propaganda lends you to believe. I have been there and it is not as bad as they tell you, they have their personal space, activities and overall freedom inside the country. Problem is that there IS little media freedom to criticize the gouverment. Though it is very hard to actually get inside the country, once i was inside i kinda felt relaxed as I saw that the place is not what outside tells you.

[@manlamp7531]

You dont die from leaving a cult...

[@ishan1789]

@@manlamp7531 You do realize that a cult consists of members...right?

[@duthebestlion]

This channel is excellent as it covers a wide range of valuable topics. I did not expect to see this topic here. I had seen a cult on campus before. He fits in many criteria described in the video. It is better to be alone than be manipulated. If we don´t feel comfortable, something should be wrong. Trust our gut feeling and leave ASAP.

[@grifter84]

It really depresses me when I think about how much nearly all cults follow the same patterns. Read about enough of them and the stories start becoming maddeningly predictable. The playbook is so well established, you don't have to be particularly clever or creative to become a cult leader. All it requires is that you have no conscience.

[@legallyrequired]

Thank you so much for not writing Jonestown as a mass suicide. I always get so frustrated when people say it was suicide and not a mass murder.

[@drobertjordan]

Wow, this reply really opens up my eyes to the proper perspective. Thanks.

[@ck-1649]

Hey look I helped us reached 420 on likes

[@youwhat.]

It was both. Many were on board (def enough to qualify as a mass suicide to me) but many were also murdered.

[@legallyrequired]

@@youwhat. I fully think it was a mass murder. He manipulated these people into ending their lives by telling them people were coming to kill them. Mothers fed their babies poison out of syringes forced down their throats. In the audio recording of the murder you can hear the cries of children slowly stop, the protests of family members seize to a halt as dogs stop barking and the only thing left is the sound of an empty forest and a single gunshot. Its horrible, and its not suicide.

[@youwhat.]

@@legallyrequired there were definitely those murdered but also those who believed it. People for centuries have committed suicide for ideologies and fanatical beliefs, this is no different just because it's recent. I know it probably hurts to think about but some people really did kill themselves thinking it was for the best. I'm not saying most but a substantial amount.

[@yoghurtstripper]

When you said it's like a pyramid scheme, I remembered the time when I was invited to one. The new "members" or at least the ones invited were separated. We were seated at least 2-3 members apart, some of them were in uniform so you would know they were already a member, but some were not. During the speech of the founders, they encourage you to shout something while clapping when the founder said a certain word. Noticeably, people who were not members would not do that but people beside us would so they were trying to get us to do them. They we're trapping us as well. They wouldn' let us leave, people were blocking the doorways and people beside us will try to talk to us like "Oh wow this is such an amazing group" "you have to stay" or "It will get better, you have to be patient". I was still a student at this time and I was very annoyed because I still had school tomorrow and it was getting really late but they kept telling us that school will not do anything for us, that they just take our money and leave us hanging after we graduate. Also that we should join them so we can be successful like them. They would also tell stories about how they stole a bit of their parents money to invest and now they're rich so it's okay to steal because its for the better future, and I was like WHAT? I started to visibly and vocally turn against them because things they said before technically isn't bad but this time they were encouraging us to do crime. I mean speaking up in the hall was very dangerous but I don't think they would do anything in front new recruits. They were trying to get me to talk to them quietly in a corner but when I saw one of the new members getting to leave, I told them I will leave with that person because we live in the same neighborhood and it's not safe for a girl like me to go home alone. They let me leave with that person and oof I'm glad I got out of that safe.

[@trungduong4040]

Wow, that's such a horrible experience. Glad you found a way to get out.

[@sasha-jy5wn]

that's terrifying and i cant imagine how some of the recuits who didnt get out feel now

[@sera_sarzad]

That is really creepy.

[@PoojaYadav-it6os]

Was it possible to call the cops?

[@chickentail7108]

Pooja Yadav 🏄🏿‍♀️

[@jayneking8340]

I have watched this several times. It is so well done!

[@tzipporamiller]

Thank you for this video! I am working on learning about cults to help a family member and trying to connect to as many cult survivors as possible to understand their mindset of when they were indoctrinated

[@mombythesea2426]

What cult?

[@dkssudgktpady]

in south korea, there's a cult called shincheonji and this is one of their recruitment method first, cult member tell to his(or her) co-worker who believe ghost or destiny that he(or she) will have car accident while he driving second, another cult member follow that co-worker and make car accident on purpose third, co-worker is now wondering how that cult member predict the car accident and ask how he knows that fourth, cult member bring his co-worker to the cult church and preach to him and finally, that co-worker become new member of cult

[@izzamind]

1 member of that cult is responsible for a sudden rise of covid19 within the cluster of the same cult.

[@franyeliquijada8036]

Dude what

[@CBRN-115]

@@izzamind yep that is correct. They are basically terrorists because they ACTIVELY spread COVID-19

[@justapersonontheinternet1515]

This is why I always get the logical side of things, I never believe in stuff like that, whoever is reading this, never believe in stuff like this, always come up with a reasonable explanation, even if it is completely wrong.

[@FancyLines]

This is messed up.

[@b.k6522]

dunno, ask Tom Cruise

[@ayaanhafer7953]

WhiteEagle223 He is actually leaving the church for his daughter

[@leerman22]

You get to save Tom Cruise from scientology in Watchdogs 2.

[@ultimandalex]

WhiteEagle223

[@SuperJosteen]

WhiteEagle223 go watch the master, a very good movie about this

[@myohmy9000]

WhiteEagle223 I would, but he won't get out of the closet

[@salmanisrar3772]

Steven Hassan's BITE model to judge the cult-ality of a group is a really useful tool.

[@Silkmania12]

Crazy how much of this can be attributed to a fandom 😮

[@davidkonevky7372]

Honestly after seeing Midsommar, I got very intrigued at how easily we can be manipulated into cults, it just shows a lot of ourselves and how far people can go for affection and a community to rely on

[@strawberrycloud8743]

Omg yes!

[@junebug115]

same! I got interested because of Midsommar.

[@gfslight]

Midsommar gives a good example of how some indoctrination can work. There's a very good video on this from Acolytes of Horror which tells how not only did Dani feel that she won something, but how most people who watch the film believe it to be a happy ending. That is exactly how cults work. But most cults are more sneaky that Midsommar, though the factors are there.

[@rainydaze1313]

I don’t understand why people feel that way about the film at all. I would have left as soon as the suicide ritual happened, it was horrific, & would never want to be around people like that.

[@wafercrackerjack880]

@@rainydaze1313 You also don't understand how a mentally ill person go berserk when in a psycopathic episode and kill other people. You not understanding is a sign of lack of empathy or intellectually capacity. You have no idea how to put yourself in the shoes of another. Or you just want to feel superior and say "If I was that person, I'd know better". I am inclined to believe you are the second one. Try to remember that people are different, we all experience this world differently. Being closed minded does not do you any good.

[@vivienyeung8043]

Unfortunately, abusive relationships work in similar ways too. Except the beliefs arent' reinforced by multiple people, which makes you question whether you are sane or not.

[@dougvanwickler4142]

Great comment. Narcissistic personalities are very toxic to relationships, and narcissism would appear to be a huge component behind cult leadership

[@kayakat1869]

Yes! My friend was in one, and it hit many points on the BITE model.

[@blauwbeer556]

this comment makes me think that society it self is a giant cult and then i thought that of a scene where a person just says ¨i am not crazy, you are crazy¨ which made me smile :) wait where was i? oh yeah society....yeah it is not cult but thank you for making me smile.

[@stephenkaylor4311]

First - a controlled environment, then beliefs!

[@stephenkaylor4311]

@o. t. Rap Music?

[@Charlotte_Sloss]

I’m autistic and have a special interest in cults, resulting in my friends and I investigate a nearby, dangerous like all other cults, and scary cult in our town. We are definitely in danger and starting to regret doing this but I can back this video up 100%. We have started taken extreme precautions but one of my friends and I are in more danger than the rest. That’s just a fragment of our story, stay safe and take precautions.

[@biancacalabria]

This was put together so well!

[@alexanderjakubsen2198]

"It was Flavor Aid, dammit!" Should be the Kool-Aid marketing slogan.

[@commoncoolchannel8588]

10/10 comedy

[@KVandendriessche]

Alexander Jakubsen i shouldn’t have laughed but I totally did

[@dreamscapeai7]

I just love the animation.

[@fatherhoxton674]

A lot of the comments are talking about cults someone is appreciating the animation Thanks for the likes

[@marleymcintyre1230]

I love that this is the only thing you mention 😂😂

[@dakotamcclung2988]

I’ve always wondered how people could be so easily susceptible to things like this. People need to start having a stronger mind for themselves!

[@daisydaisy28]

my friend is in cult and seeing how it affacts her life is the most heart breaking feeling. but i can't do anything because they are a well known "church" in korea so the worst thing to do is argue against them. i hope there is miracle..

[@thebohemianserb2114]

I grew up in a cult. It is difficult to risk that kind of stability and friendship that only cults its seems can achieve for freedom of thought and conscience. When I left I never expected to have really good friends again and I was extremely lonely. The normal culture is less willing to make instant and reliable friends, that's true, but if you're there don't give up.

[@taidepods]

I hope you're ok now!!

[@stephenkaylor4311]

Aesthetic training in Laughter Yoga classes or group rehearsals with the Suzuki School of Violin - are good ways to both improve yourself and bond with others!

[@abanoubnakhla1453]

What was the cults name?

[@Malaima]

exactly. so relate. can we private message?

[@genie1699]

I feel the same exact way. :(

[@TheMormonInformant]

I've been involved in a number of cults, both as a leader and a follower. You have more fun as a follower, but you make more money as a leader. -Creed Bratton

[@FalconFastest123]

I hope you aren't calling Mormons a cult, Mormon Informant. The leaders make ZERO money. Numerous audits from within and without the church confirm that.

[@wenigmehl]

+Lucas Johnson Who gives a shite?

[@lh2446]

Lucas Johnson you do know that the 12 do get payed from the church right?

[@nelsonnoname001]

Mormons - biggest mainstream cult

[@TheMormonInformant]

Lucas, the leadership receives a "base living allowance" of $120,000, plus heath care benefits, free cars, and book royalties. www.sltrib.com/lifestyle/faith/4800350-155/how-much-do-top-mormon-leaders

[@PoseidonXIII]

In their own twisted way cults really show the power of social and spiritual connections. That we all deeply desire to be loved, connect with others, and be given a purpose. These desires drive so many aspects of our lives that it makes sense why one could exploit them for personal gain.

[@user-yp6yr9te7l]

Which is why I could never be part of a cult. I have zero desire to be loved (by random strangers) or to connect with other humans, lol. As an strong INTJ, if I get invited to a party, I'd be dismantling everyone's BS in my outside voice after I'd been there for about 5 minutes, let alone a cult. I'm only still at my company because they pay me. Couldn't be happier since COVID forced everyone to work remote. It's like heaven. All the time, all by myself. I mean there are the spouse and kids, and those are enough of a handful....and they don't bug me when I'm in my batcave.

[@jonkline709]

Every one wants to be part of something

[@thatonesound2211]

"I’ve been involved in a number of cults both as a leader and a follower. You have more fun as a follower but you make more money as a leader." Creed bratton

[@dariadaria9255]

Haha

[@GalahadFranco]

I was looking for this comment. Thank you!

[@izzamind]

How to bookmark this comment?

[@sahidcm]

@@izzamind take a screenshot

[@GizmoMaltese]

I was in a cult for a few years. I was lonely and withdrawn. The cult helped me to socialize and genuinely helped to improve my life. But it wanted everything. All of my time, my money and wanted to choose who I marry. When I saw how they arranged marriages of some members I knew I had to leave. It was hard leaving. So many good people there.

[@rolandjosef7961]

Were you in a Moonies Church?

[@chrisjamuelroman308]

I guess thats an INC you’re referring to? does it? 🤔

[@coldsphagett8910]

@@chrisjamuelroman308 not really. Im born as an inc and it never made us feel like a cult and we dont really have those extremist ideals that tells us everything that we do. Tho i cant say for some of the old geezers lol

[@franyeliquijada8036]

This is exactly what is happening to me right now, I'm so happy I found the way out

[@safahasan486]

Aszwarte ziel Muslim countries? Not really, just countries that have a lot of poverty or just very specific ideals of how marriage should be. Arranged marriages as a blanket term is your parents (or religious authority, extended family, community etc.) finding a bunch of people who you could marry and then you choose who you like best. Yes, sometimes some people don’t have a choice and are forced maybe at a young age but those are usually in poor countries where people live shorter lives and so have to get married earlier. Arranged marriages aren’t religious centric but are common in lots of cultures. My parents were an arranged marriage actually and they both had a choice it’s just the group that they chose from was chosen by their parents.

[@infaqkhan2222]

Thank u for this video. Now i finally understand the difference between religions and cults.

[@DouglasSoaresVicente]

Please translate this video to every language in the world. We need this.

[@PaperParade]

I just wanna come back to this video and give a big thank you--it helped me to realize that I had been in a cult after all and was major in helping me get closure and understanding from the abuse I went through.

[@felicitys3621]

Good for you

[@janelletaboada6673]

Congratss

[@whiterage1917]

It’s never too late to see Trump for what he really is

[@nothingtoseeherefolks6911]

God bless you!

[@brendalyons6629]

Amazing

[@AlexBallMusic]

I joined the Blue Öyster Cult. I struggled not to fear the reaper, but kept quiet to avoid being rebuked. In the end, after many failed attempts to be like the wind and the sun and the rain, I left that Cult behind.

[@niklashansen5432]

You failed because your cowbell belief was weak! "And I sayeth unto thee, more cowbell. The bell-ends shall inherit the world."

[@AlexBallMusic]

They said "come forth and receive eternal life". But I came fifth and only got a George Foreman grill.

[@GodsPrettiestPrincess]

What...

[@AlexBallMusic]

Gamer With Many Names Search Blue Oyster Cult - The Reaper.

[@connorblack99]

👏👏👏

[@johngalt5166]

As a very religious man (who is currently in seminary) my fiancé (then girlfriend) was approached by cult recruiters and went to “Bible Studies” with them for a while, before she was “granted” membership me and her figured out something was amiss. The primary difference between a genuine Protestant denomination and a cult is their structure, a normal Christian denomination usually has a pastor or congregation/deacons and deaconesses running the group, where a cult usually has a top down structure wherein a charismatic leader instructs members as to exactly how to act. I should also add that a genuine church usually wont try to infiltrate your personal life and break you off from reality, and hopefully instead would inspire a wholistic Christian lifestyle and encourage community bonding between both you and your community as well as the Church community.

[@zhiliu4489]

this video is great when it explains cults, and impacts.

[@durpddurke4633]

This is exactly how I joined a fandom

[@eclipsethewolf9934]

Da Dragon Durp fandoms are cults, which means I’m a part of at least 70 cults 😂😂😂

[@roinymphornithorynque3282]

true lol

[@KeyOfTheTwilight]

Lol! xD

[@jaggerjdm9787]

We meet again... I see you everywhere!

[@issaaltriga7520]

Da Dragon Durp k

[@teagannam]

Got a tiktok ad before the vid *whispers: tiktok is a cult*

[@Offensive_Username]

Adblockers are freedom.

[@turtlespiritDAT-OG]

!!!Yup!

[@anemorgan4342]

I'm fine with that lol

[@knocewwmckskdmdo976]

Asher :p I came here after finding a cult invite on tik Tok 😳

[@benmiles2039]

it actually is a app made by china to know about america

[@Resoundinglyavergage]

This was said beautifully. Thank you very much.

[@rickyglaser]

Great video thank you

[@Snakeyes244]

The moral: Think for yourself

[@andreaspoppe3906]

Snakeyes244 but thats so harddd

[@ericaceae]

that’s what Daria Morgendorffer’s all for

[@wolfizee6516]

me-e-e-e-eh

[@DaL33T5]

And most importantly, NEVER assume you can't be fooled.

[@lohitjagarapu9351]

RIP Religion (jk y'all)

[@plolsteg7705]

“Some cults are political” Stalin: *coughs in the background*

[@dankmemelord629]

That's both the alt-left and alt-right lol

[@meowtherainbowx4163]

Authoritarianism in general becomes very cult-like. In fact, politics is pretty cult-like in general when it comes to each party or each politician’s most die-hard fans. There are levels to it, though, and only in totalitarian dictatorships does it become as controlling as a stereotypical cult.

[@Steveleecomedy]

Donald Trump...

[@jamesisaac7684]

Can Trump supporter be considered a cult?

[@DrWhom]

Brexit.

[@mickavoidant4780]

I was thrown out of a cult for being 'rebellious'. All I did was stick up for myself. My then girlfriend was angry at me for leaving and tried to pressure me into going back. It didn't work.

[@kaiawang9593]

This is so important to know.

[@yash.0119]

The psychology behind this is fascinating. I can see parallels between being surrounded by religion and being part of a cult as a child. Both engulf the child in an ideology that makes it very hard for them to question it - which eventually leads to psychological stunting as stated in the video.

[@calebmurray4438]

I don’t know about other religions but as a born and raised Christian we are encouraged to be inquisitive and pastors often take questions from both adults and youth and do sermons on them.

[@GlowingAmberRaiinYTT]

@@calebmurray4438 same with my cousin. Me? I don’t have a religion.

[@izehsy6715]

Most religions require the independent investigation of truth. An amazing example of this is the Baha'i religion where the independent investigation of truth is one of the 12 fundamentals of the religion.

[@whathappenswhenyouclosethe6084]

I am a muslim borned kid, I definetely can agree to your statement.

[@salmahasgar6928]

@@whathappenswhenyouclosethe6084 I was also born to Muslims. This video reminded me a lot of my childhood and early Islam.

[@HolyKoolaid]

DON'T DRINK THE KOOLAID!!! Never drink the Koolaid!

[@jayyyzeee6409]

OHHH....YEAHHH! I MEAN OHHH...NOOOO!!

[@xDmankilla113x]

Holy Koolaid but it was flavor-aid which is basically generic Koolaid lolxD

[@jamespereira8077]

Holy Koolaid Haha

[@nandinhocunha440]

Holy Koolaid can the black people drink it?

[@jon87386]

Better dump my stock in koolaid before it goes under...

[@justamrcreeper6467]

With the news of the SBSI cult in the Philippines now being investigated by the Senate, KZbin really recommended this video at the best time. Thanks YT algorithm for giving me a reason to share this.

[@javenbautista5678]

One of the biggest cult organization in the world also exist here in the Philippines... They are so powerful even politicians want their endorsement. Their founder proclaimed himself as a messenger of God. Forcing their members to donate 10 percent of their salary or income.... They hate Roman Catholics so much, they using propaganda againts Catholics, I knew it because I had friends belong in that religion.

[@AmiraKrim]

Thank you for this 👏

[@LightningShiva1]

Introverts watching this video knowing that they will never join a cult : *I see this as an absolute win*

[@neliasoares6217]

How did you read my mind?

[@blablabla6975]

Nah many introverts are easy targets for these cults, if they ever get in contact that is

[@LightningShiva1]

@@AgoraSage oo, what hpnd dude

[@stephenkaylor4311]

I also learned about what Janja Lalich spotlights as " Cognitive Dissonance. " Ie., that when someone keeps compromising to coercion - this makes it more difficult to find truthful judgement!

[@viporal7898]

There's a difference between introversion and being a complete social outcast

[@claradipaolo571]

I had a friend who was part of a religious cult. I saw what that did to him, how it shaped his life, his beliefs, and his behaviour. It was terrible watching him and his family in this controlled and isolated life. I wanted him to be happy, something that I knew he couldn’t do. Thank you Ted Ed, for bringing awareness of the terrible things that cults can do.

[@emilyapricot1313]

It’s hard to know what to do when you see a friend or family member going down this path. My experience teaches me you can’t argue with someone who is convinced. I guess all you can really do is keep a safe distance and be there for them if they want out.

[@agathalorenzo4224]

mega church (evangelical) is the biggest cult in usa

[@JESUSISLORD.........]

Unlike cults, where they ask to pay money.. something in return; to give you something back.. no, the bible is free. Free for anybody, search up in KZbin, you can download it, it's for free.. why? Because of love.. God bless.

[@JESUSISLORD.........]

This cult thingy, is the exact reason that there are denominations..

[@evilkidm93b]

The art is great!

[@miguelangelrodriguez8999]

Love you and thank you ✊🏽

[@D20000]

cults are going to be a big problem in the future with people becoming more and more isolated & lonely.

[@hiltonm.cardoso340]

Exactly what I think

[@D20000]

Teachers allready have a hardjob but they should be thaught to observe and notice signs of isolation & loneliness so help can be provided at a time before something drastic happens. Seems like a good idea to me to prevent instead of cure. In my opinion it should be presented as if it's the choice of the person/student x (x=sexual identitity) what's the best thing to do. I don't know if this is ethical..

[@ravenlake9873]

They already are. I joined a cult online.

[@soslothful]

Why do you think people more isolated and lonely?

[@ravenlake9873]

@@soslothful It's country dependent but in the US at least it's proven fact. Study after study shows less community participation, more isolation, etc. It's partly because of job trends forcing people to work longer and longer hours and relocate more often, making it harder to set down roots-- in decades past you'd have multiple generations in the same area, that's much less true now. Add to that the breakdown of institutions like churches, voluntary associations like Rotary, and the rise of the internet. People are moving more, going out less, and most of the ways our ancestors connected are just increasingly less likely to be present or meaningful, especially to younger people. Trend lines have been moving in this direction for a while, unfortunately, and show no signs of abating. (Source: I've been employed writing scientific abstracts for about 20 years. I get a good look at broad trends like this through my work. It's a good rabbit hole, if you want to follow it w/google. Very sobering.)

[@kartofun7672]

“When somebody tells you you to sacrifice your relationships for the greater good” *Tau empire intensifies*

[@heliosorion2063]

/\ | | Yes Commisar,This Heresy Right here..

[@kartofun7672]

Helios Orion fools! Accept the greater good!

[@heliosorion2063]

@@kartofun7672 Me on the Radio* yes copy that...so..uhh...wait..did you say exterminatus?

[@kartofun7672]

Helios Orion which army are you playing? (I am playing IG and have one scrapbuilt ork buggy😆)

[@ConspiracyCon578]

So if you're friends with a psychopath?

[@xander_gamingx1190]

Thx for this video im gonna use this info when I grow up

[@jasrtsoto7087]

You are absolutely right.

[@kixotical6992]

Them: they drank the kool-aid Me: *_finally gets that camp camp reference_*

[@tworfling]

SAME

[@cinnabard955]

Me: finally gets the John Cozart reference

[@chocolatechip1806]

kixotical LEGIT THO

[@calscal]

God that brought me back-

[@wonderface7131]

I just finished watched watching that lmao

[@sapster3546]

"You get fun as a follower. But make more money as a leader" - Creed The office

[@hamzac.4555]

thank you for quoting creed hahaha

[@angrynoodletwentyfive6463]

kinda suggests he wasn't actually part of a cult and thought it was more of a game XD

[@abosedemusa6436]

Thank you for Sharing

[@s.a.6082]

Sense of belonging and connectedness

[@melissacooper4282]

My father never avoids the Jehovah's Witnesses when they come. He points out something that's obviously not what they believe but it's in the bible. The result is that they leave in disgust and never come back.

[@johncarlolorieta92]

what is it pls tell

[@oay4835]

Dude, same!

[@thatrandomconcript2640]

@@johncarlolorieta92 it's to do with jesus

[@thatrandomconcript2640]

@@oay4835 it's to do with jesus

[@burritowyrm6530]

bible aka cult repellant

[@hw5062]

I love how nobody talks about how jehovah witnesses is a cult/pyramid scheme

[@technolus5742]

They are just entertained with cults that have even more members.

[@funk8782]

My Grandma is JW

[@jaytakajeremiahtisdale2042]

ikr

[@geradosolusyon511]

Religions and cultures are also cults

[@celeri6497]

there are ex-jw activists right here on youtube doing just that

[@TayfunTristan-lk6rf]

THANK YOU SO MUCH ALL PEOEPLE ❤

[@Derk_Mage]

Thanks! Now I can recruit people better

[@jeyci3151]

So all this can be avoided by not having friends? All the more power for me.

[@florencechestnut2270]

Jey Ci better off being alone most people today like to hurt other people I trust no one!

[@brianwyters2150]

Ted-Ed actually had a video on "what is power?".

[@ganondorfchampin]

It's not having friends which makes you most vulnerable to the cults, as they will become your friends.

[@waffles6280]

I hate interacting with people. Is that invincibility from cults? also i don't believe religion

[@ganondorfchampin]

Pancakes Doesn't matter if you hate, you still got to do it like you're doing it now.

[@TartALaCarte]

wish i could have the first 22 years of my life back.

[@taidepods]

I hope you're better now!

[@aldistoteles2919]

[@tiadsouza2047]

the slight shaking of the camera is so ominous...good work animators!

[@Bongi344]

Great animation

[@astrid1870]

This whole video is basically about Scientology without using the word Scientology

[@danielmethner6847]

Or jehovahs witnesses ... or other cults

[@PrinceJJGoated]

Daniel Methner or basically every faith-based religion

[@LiatKolink]

Everything is batman I thought about Trump supporters, instead.

[@sarcastic8965]

I thought it was about Haruhiism

[@NoU-jc4kq]

Everything is batman Yay Logic

[@A_Muzik]

I was in a pseudo-Buddhist cult for four years. The practice itself was Mahayana Buddhist, howbeit the cult was more about the leader than Buddhism. Along with the empty promises that were not realized when I gave of time and money, the heavy focus on the leader was just too much for me. I left and I feel sorry for anyone who was born into the cult.

[@stephenkaylor4311]

Cults become controlling and coercive - then divorced from reality!

[@olgamartin4016]

It's all about the leader BC they are probably narcissist s

[@nicolaslopezfors2810]

Can I ask which cult?

[@kaustubh_ramteke_07]

better to stay away from self proclaimed "leaders".

[@beecat9951]

Sounds like NKT

[@AngelTheDuro]

Thanks for the video. I recently was invited to one of those lifespring, landmark workshops and after spending some money i decided to look more into it and its a cult. Now im trying to get my friends out of it

[@WhiteBloggerBlackSpecs]

"I've been involved in a number of cults, both as a leader and a follower. You have more fun as a follower. But you make more money as a leader" -Creed Bratton, 2007

[@juanbautistabadano3847]

I felt so identified. Wasted a whole year of my life devoting myself to a guru called “Mooji”, which led me to distancing myself from family and friends. I was lucky to have people who cared about me to drag me out from that hole.

[@HetThakkar809]

Glad you found your way out

[@SoSo-ww8wi]

No Now, Mooji isn't like that.

[@SoSo-ww8wi]

@s 97 I listen to him and don't feel like that....... I'm say he either misinterpreted everything or he is punishing himself.

[@aienne80yearsago46]

I'm glad that you're out.

[@jasminen6680]

Oh Dang!! I liked what I heard from him. I stumbled upon him listening to Dandapani and couldn't find the video again because I didn't know his name. I just searched Mooji for Reference to what you were talking about and I am SHOCKED! I had no idea.

[@dragon67849]

This is so accurate that it actually physically hurts me. Because literally everyone around me is so blind to see it and I can't help them see it.

[@tagalaseimonlorenzom.11hum79]

Same thoughts here

[@nomadsteve5297]

But it may be you that’s wrong and everyone around you are correct 🤔

[@dragon67849]

@@nomadsteve5297 perhaps but that would only be the case if they were unable to verify the claim instead of unwilling. Most of the time it's the latter. Otherwise you'd have a point.

[@megan7258]

they think IM crazy

[@dragon67849]

@@dymaxion3988 It's insulting to think I don't know that already you know? I get you're trying to help. But don't. Not all help is wanted and some certainly not needed. This falls in both categories if you're curious

[@abcxyz-bq2cc]

Thank you for helping me

[@lastround2357]

beautifully made. the talk and the animation. for me the cult was a network marketing company shockingly it was legal