Welcome To The Golden Age Of Cults

[@goldwingerppg5953]

This reminds me of the saying “It’s easier to fool people than convince people they’ve been fooled” Mark Twain

[@rocklobstersteve]

Twain

[@ryanjohnson3615]

The quote that came to my mind was from Voltaire... “Anyone who can make you believe absurdities can make you commit atrocities.”

[@Fooma777]

Choo choooo autocorrect got youuuu

[@johnd.obrien6838]

Also, "You cannot reason someone out of a belief that they were not reasoned _into_ in the first place."

[@rimbusjift7575]

​@@rocklobstersteve No, no. Little known Mark Train.

[@AFishNamedBob]

Born and raised in a religious cult. Broke free in my late 20's. Lost everything. Literally. Every family member. Every childhood friend. Every "close" friend (and when you live in a closed society they are everything). All my money and job opportunities. Everything. Best thing I ever did but also the hardest.

[@DawnDavidson]

Congratulations on doing that hardest thing, and getting to be yourself.

[@EuanWhitehead]

Well done, I can't imagine how difficult it must have been but also it must have been massively freeing.

[@TheFoxStalksHisPrey]

That sounds harder than almost anything I can imagine, proud of you person.

[@hichewies]

@@adventurefighter7501 he might mean stuff like jehovah's witnesses

[@rinalaskaa]

@@adventurefighter7501 The original comment said "religious cult", so just a cult that based their ideologies on a religion. I don't think they mean to imply that all religions are cults, or at least I hope they don't mean that

[@tymonritco8578]

As a former Jehovahs Witness I can say that deprogramming from a cult is hard. I know so many that are still trapped mentally.

[@82ayalaj]

Honestly the exjw community has become experts into that subject because they're almost a perfect case study.

[@TIGERshanked1]

I'm an ex Mormon. I told my family I'm not going to church anymore in 2015. In the past couple years I finally got to a point where I could deconstruct. The roots of everything go very deep within my mind. I feel you fellow human.

[@pnut3844able]

All organized religions are cults. It's sad.

[@TechyBen]

@@82ayalaj It's interesting. Mormons seem open enough to avoid the radar, and Scientology so extreme it's unrelatable. But JWs are a group in the middle, so many can get that it's "stuck", while many get stuck in it!

[@MartysShenanigans]

I left in 2018. Best and worst feeling ever

[@seattlegrrlie]

The difference between music fans, people in a hiking group, and a cult is the level of control and manipulation that happens in a cult. Taylor Swift isn't trying to force her fans to dress, eat, think, or give all their money. A hiking or other local community group is also not trying to abuse you, manipulate you, force you to stay in the group, and make you believe lies for power and control A cult, the whole point is power and control

[@Shaunks86]

Taylor Swift is absolutely trying to get all her fans money.

[@Saffron-sugar]

What a hiking group is trying to abuse you or not, whether a rock group is trying to get all your money or not, you do not live with them. You have to support yourself in your own life outside of that fandom. So the potential for harm is much lower.

[@snailsaredumb9412]

Well this fell apart quickly...

[@davidmills9685]

I think it's a cult but it's not my problem and not my affair it's the news that bugs me . I have my favorite bands too but anytime that woman goes or does anything it's on the local news and that's what bugs me about her and maybe not the fault of her own it's the media.

[@Rockabelle]

Yep. Same thing with religions vs religious cults. As an example: A religion can require certain specifications for a marriage to be performed. A religious cult can require certain people to be married, perhaps even outside of the law or against the wishes of the individuals, and can also separate married couples and reassign their children and spouses to other families. This is done in cults not for any moral principle, but simply as a way to control and reward/punish members.

[@fathistory]

I’ve been getting my mom away from conspiracy theories by getting her into baking bread & replacing all the videos on her fyp with bread videos. She sounds more like herself than I’ve seen in years.

[@somesweetguy]

Unfortunately, a lot of people in the older generations who didn't grow up on the internet, but are now engaging, are unprepared for the bombardment of information and the discernment that is required to avoid falling victim to charlatans.

[@KeytarArgonian]

@@somesweetguydevils advocate argument would suggest that’s a bigotry of low expectation. Again, playing devils advocate would find it more likely that the quality of information CHANGE over their lifetimes has left them more questioning or susceptible to not believing something. The materials their houses were made from were totally safe, until they were deemed poisonous. The products they used to clean their cupboards were totally safe, until they were killing polar bears through the food chain. The climate was going to kill them in 10 years, until it didn’t. The Vietnam war was largely the result of the Bay of Tonkin incident, which turned out not to be true etc, etc. Their lives have been filled with falsehoods or incorrect information. Look online right now and see how things branded ‘misinformation’ now aren’t. Platforms admit the censor things incorrectly now, even today. At this rate it almost pays to believe some things you’re told not to because then you’re proven right eventually.

[@Pushing_Pixels]

Having hobbies is underrated.

[@Twofrogsonecup]

some conspiracy theories are cool and fun to talk/ think about, like how old is the pyramid of Giza, its fun to think about and ponder what kind of tools or machinery was used to build it. buuuuut u can't weed out all the bad ones. bread is good, might have to get my grandma to start baking instead of mourning over the death of the jeapordy host

[@Nickelodeon81]

Uh huh and how did you sneak the mind control microchip into the dough?

[@Enn-]

This worked for me. I assured my son he was loved, expressed my concerns to him about the group he was with, and encouraged him to continue learning without letting others direct his exploration away from topics. His curiosity and enthusiasm (which had attracted them to him in the first place) drew others around him within the group, and when his questions lead to discoveries that they couldn't answer, the house of cards fell.

[@felixcarrier943]

What group was he with?

[@Laura-kl7vi]

I so glad it worked out for you and your son. You did well!

[@MrTooDuce]

Its the do your research bro mentality. Gets people deeper into it.

[@Enn-]

@@felixcarrier943I was intentionally vague about that. Cults can get messy, especially when things fall apart. I don't want anyone to be hurt or threatened based on a KZbin comment I make.

[@obsideonyx7604]

You don't have to identify the cult, only their philosophy or ideology.

[@owenpiffaretti3310]

It's really difficult to change anybody's mind about what they believe. We almost always respond with emotions rather than reason.

[@patrickiamonfire965]

Emotion oftentimes influences reason and vice versa. Sometimes we cherrypick information sometimes strong emotions increases the motivation to look for objectivity. TLDR it is indeed difficult to change anyones mind but it depends on the individual. Not everyone are exactly the same we can be similar but not copies.

[@DrWrapperband]

Also, cultist live in an echo chamber of falsehoods, like all the Jesus cults in the USA.

[@hansolowe19]

We respond to their emotional nonsense with our own emotions. Yes. I just found out that a colleague is, in his words, "much more extreme than [extremist right wing politician in my country], and none of you would want to to associate with me if we knew how extreme". Lovely.. 🙄

[@starc.]

you dont change someone elses mind only they can change their own mind

[@bagfootbandit8745]

I'd count myself as a former extremist (primarily in the redpill crowd). This tracks. And the first step that really brought me out of it was emotional validation. I've found that deprogramming others within my social circle has relied on the same thing. To change someone's mind, you must first get them to let down their guard, to convince them you're on their side (and I mean this honestly. I don't convince them that I'm a fellow redpiller, I convince them that I've felt the same stuff as them-- and that's true). After that, you can start to challenge their ideas constructively. Shared experiences are powerful, and they can bring people out of cults as much as they bring people into them.

[@bobbywalker2823]

I would just like to point out that almost every single step that you mentioned was also useful in my guiding someone away from an unhealthy relationship. In case that helps any dads or moms out there. Be there for when they come back and lightly question things to draw their attention to warning signs in a non-judgmental way. Don't offer ultimatums or timelines and just help guide them to the solution that everyone else can already see. Thanks Joe

[@jdk9673]

Very good point!

[@metriq8268]

My boyfriend's sister had been in an abusive relationship for 10 years. Their mom kept trying to push her away from her now ex, which only isolated her further. I told my boyfriend that he can't save her, she has to save herself, but he can be around to help when she does because the biggest hurdle is isolation. She finally left a couple of weeks ago.

[@PEDROGARCIA-qj3gr]

His advice really doesn't work with people in those situations... People forget these who fall in cults are not in the position of paying attention to those advices... It's like saying a fat person to lose weight... It looks like yeah is so logic but you don't really understand the situation if you believe you're helping.

[@undefined7141]

Remember tribal political bias is also indicative of cult like behavior. We need less blind loyalty to left and right and more calm rational discourse.

[@undefined7141]

Holly crap, Joe changed the cringe thumbnail.

[@kimbruns2084]

Well said, and we need a media that doesn’t protect one political party. The media’s job is to protect the people from the government not protect one political party from the people.

[@vixxcelacea2778]

@@kimbruns2084 Government is controlled by corporations, corporations are encouraged if not coerced by our economic model to engage in behavior that promotes greed, endless accumulation and fueled by a source of pseudo exchange we all need to literally survive or we die. Political parties are corporate interests to one degree or another. Some countries have it be more obvious than others. Our system, as in the very core of it's functionality, is part of the problem. But it's easier (not in a disparaging way, just a factual one and also a little less horrifying to realize) to see the symptoms and try to address those than face the disease. Especially since this one is like a cancer. it outlived its usefulness and became malignant. Removing it requires a huge over haul to everything we know. We have more work to do than we realize. Politics is just one of the many areas that needs treatment, but it isn't the source of the problem. The source also isn't "just get rid of it" it's an entire cultural shift everyone has to take.

[@iss2075]

@lacea2778 I honestly think the current "system" is of such dominance that we would need to stop using (or accepting) money, give up technology and entertainment (especially TV and media), remove ourselves from the education system, all of us quit our jobs, everybody refuse to take part in any elections, etc, to get rid of it. Basically we'd have to live like the Amish. I don't think most men would be able to give up video games, and most women won't be able to give up social media and shopping.

[@longarmsgiraffe0955]

Right? This is why it is a little offputting having someone with their "Cult of Trump" book in the background. I (strongly) believe that just because someone voted for Trump doesn't mean they are in a cult (I have not read the book so I'm not sure that is what it is arguing, but it is what it is implying)

[@michaelmorrison6540]

I had a friend/coworker some years ago named Joel. He was born in a cult in upstate New York in the early 1960s. The place was highly secure, and Joel spent the first 18 years of his life living within the compound. Then in the late 1970s, he began to feel that something felt “wrong”. Joel literally escaped into the forest in the middle of the night by climbing over numerous high fences, barbed wire, across trenches, streams, and numerous other barriers. He eventually found his way to a rural road where a passing driver picked him up and took him to a nearby town. Joel was shocked and amazed at what he saw; he had no idea that there was a whole civilized world beyond the walls of the compound. He has never seen his parents or siblings again after his daring escape. It took years of help from many kind folks to get Joel adjusted to the modern world. It’s an amazing story. I’m glad that Joel turned out okay after such a horrific childhood.

[@raisinbrancerealofficial]

Do you know the cult's name?

[@wuvumgywgy]

What was the cult called?

[@acidchronic2211]

QAnon dropout here, this video is spot on. Short length but great and necessary content. Didn't expect this video but I'm glad it's out there!

[@blissjunkie999]

Congratulations! I wouldn’t say dropout. More like you graduated to reality. I’m proud of ya. And for ya.

[@acidchronic2211]

@@blissjunkie999 Thanks kind internet stranger, that means a lot

[@MakerOfChase]

It is really nice to see someone admit they have changed their opinion and are better off for it. I know I'm sure your family is so happy to have you back and if not, this internet stranger is!

[@KarldorisLambley]

good to see you on this side. welcome.

[@hanschristianben505]

we’re glad to have you back!! congrats!! 🤩🤩

[@Talon19]

In the wise words of William S Preston and Theodore Logan: “Be excellent to each other “

[@marie_h1104]

Although strange things run afoot at their local Circle K, those two make for excellent commentary. Don't be bogus, dude.

[@CodecFace]

All we are.. is dust in the wind.. dude.

[@StrawB0ss]

Spok, The Rock, Doc Oc, and Hulk Hogan.

[@Gundesalf]

Right on, dude!!!

[@pt8077]

“In time, yes, everything will be all right (all right, all right).”

[@rustymustard7798]

I haven't joined a cult yet,and i'm not going to until the really good sex, drugs and rock and roll cult recruits me. I'm saving myself.

[@ygayovy]

There's no perfect cult out there and you're not getting younger 😂

[@Dave_of_Mordor]

You can join my cult but only if you vote for me this year 2024 election

[@jimmjimms]

​@@ygayovy sounds like something a cult leader would say...

[@Nik.No.K]

Sounds like a great idea I’m in

[@rayw5289]

I think that was the branch davidians

[@mikegilgenbach4840]

My cult isn't a cult, your cult is a cult.

[@PeterSigurdson]

The difference between a cult, and a legitimate ideology, is the same as the difference between flirting and sexual harassment - it all comes down to how attracted you are to the people who are doing it

[@mikegilgenbach4840]

@@PeterSigurdsonI tip my hat to you sir.

[@heybro345]

​@@PeterSigurdson🫡

[@jin_cotl]

I hope y’all know that Mike was joking

[@istaphobe]

BEST FUCKING POST ON THIS THREAD!!!

[@Saffron-sugar]

I joined a convent and became a novice nun. It was Episcopalian, but it was an independent convent in the sense that it was not affiliated with any particular church or organisation. They turned out to be a cult. Irrational, dishonest and violent. It wasn’t until I was beaten up that I truly woke up. I think I stayed because they told me they loved me and I needed that. They made it hard for me to leave, and when I left, they all shunned me. They robbed me and I had to get the police because they would not let me collect my belongings. The diocese of the Area could not have cared less. It took me a long time to recover. Then I left and I joined a real convent that belongs to an organisation that is hundreds of years old. I am safe now, but I look back in horror.

[@GeoMeridium]

As a cult member, I find this video extremely helpful for deprogramming members of rival cults

[@noctap0d]

Wtf 😂😂😂

[@jasonbelstone3427]

(jots down in note pad) There's some really useful techniques and advice here. Its something to keep in mind to better serve The Community. By the way, OP, if you're ever feeling a little lost, don't be afraid to reach out and visit.

[@God-k5b]

If you have a good voice and charisma with hit of charm, you can start one but it’s not as easy as it was back in the days, especially if your asking crazy shit. The way to really start one is to ease people into crazier ideas by gaining their trusts. Even highly intelligent people can be coerced in believing something especially if you start the cult off as being philosophical. These new age losers are a good target. You can’t start off by saying your some chosen one or something but come off as giving good advice to live or something. People out there lack purpose and are really easy to mold cause they are looking to fit into something. Also you can pretend to agree with peoples dumbass held beliefs and lean into it by providing your own perspective. People love feeling they’re being understood. People desiring validation are perfect targets. Then you can slowly alter their minds to recognize your beliefs systems.

[@GeoMeridium]

"We're like a family here at Walmart."

[@kennethmartin1300]

@@GeoMeridiumAs a cult leader, I find this video, plus your technique, helpful in reprogramming deprogrammed members of rival cult leader's cults.

[@piccalillipit9211]

*IVE WRITTEN 3 BOOKS* on narcissism, I often get asked "my X is in an abusive relationship with a narcissist, how can I convince them to leave this person" The answer is YOU CANT. The only thing you can do is tell them you WILL be there for them the day they need you, and there will be NO judgement and NO "I told you so's" Cults are essentially large-scale narcissistic relationships. One narcissist to many victims as opposed to one narcissist to one victim. Just let them know - you are there for them.

[@hyric8927]

So basically, if a cult member has reliable contacts outside the cult, it could lower how much that person is willing to put up with the cult's bullshit. I like how this presents an actual strategy rather than default to preaching love and kindness.

[@God-k5b]

If you have a good voice and charisma with hit of charm, you can start one but it’s not as easy as it was back in the days, especially if your asking crazy shit. The way to really start one is to ease people into crazier ideas by gaining their trusts. Even highly intelligent people can be coerced in believing something especially if you start the cult off as being philosophical. These new age losers are a good target. You can’t start off by saying your some chosen one or something but come off as giving good advice to live or something. People out there lack purpose and are really easy to mold cause they are looking to fit into something. Also you can pretend to agree with peoples dumbass held beliefs and lean into it by providing your own perspective. People love feeling they’re being understood. People desiring validation are perfect targets. Then you can slowly alter their minds to recognize your beliefs systems.

[@PAS100170]

Unfortunately, one of the main cult methods is to get members to turn their back on friends and family. If there is regular contact, there is a chance.

[@PEDROGARCIA-qj3gr]

​@@God-k5b "highly intelligent people" ok right... Dude being good at math doesn't make you highly intelligent, specially if you fall into a cult... It means you are good at something but you have pretty poor skills in everything else...

[@PEDROGARCIA-qj3gr]

​@@PAS100170well if they can get people to turn their to their own family... Something was wrong with that family since the beginning.

[@PAS100170]

@@PEDROGARCIA-qj3gr There's no such thing as a functional family. I know none once you scrape a little. The emotions family bring are like no other.

[@darthsirrius]

"Love with your heart, use your head for everything else." - Captain Disillusion

[@carlkenner4581]

Captain Disillusion is a devout cult member, sadly. He doesn't follow his own advice.

[@elmojose5568]

Don't let Lens Flare get in the way making it hard to see reality 😂

[@slaughterofelysium]

omg I love him I must go watch him now

[@rhov-anion]

My mother joined a cult when she was pregnant with me. It was the only religion I knew growing up, and while I knew they were "weird" compared to all of my friends, I thought they were really nice people who just want to help. However, my brother is a decade older than me, and he never took to the group. When he was a teen, he finally refused to attend. My mom's response was to tell the rest of us kids not to hang out with him. I ignored that, it was silly for me to not hang out with my only brother and play action figures with him. So Mom kept sending my brother to his room, or ordered him to go out to his friends' houses. The result was, I barely got to know my brother, and soon he was off to college. I rarely saw him from age 8 until I also left the cult when I was 24. Simply knowing he was out there, that he MADE IT, and knowing he would support me if I left and my family cut me off (which they are ordered to do with family members who leave) was enough to keep me confident to quit the group. That, plus the support of friends. (I technically wasn't allowed to make "friends" outside of the group, only "acquaintances," which was one of many rules I ignored. I even dated outside of the church, which was utterly forbidden.) I wish I knew how to get others in my family out, especially my little sister. My mom obviously bought into this hard, my older sister as well is now married into the cult and has always been steeply into it all, but I used to think there was AT LEAST hope for my little sister, since she was always such a sweet girl, despite so much of their beliefs focusing on hating everyone not a part of the church. However, the last time I went to her house (the first time in 5 years that I had seen her since she lives on the other side of the country) I realized she had not only fallen even deeper into this cult, but she had literally no one outside of the group who she talked to. All of her online friends are cult members. The only people in town she hangs out with are members. She boasted that she hasn't had a "worldly" (not in the church) friend since she was 18. Worse, I realized that she has basically not been on speaking terms with my brother this entire time. Not because they got into a fight, but because he left the church and was deemed "too far gone to save," whereas apparently I am still "possible to save" and she keeps pressuring me to rejoin. I have absolutely no intentions of EVER returning, but I don't know how much longer I can keep playing nice before I finally shout at one of them, "MY GOD, CAN'T YOU SEE HOW BRAINWASHED YOU ARE?" How do you coax someone out of a cult when it's all they've even known, all of their friends are in it, they most assuredly WILL lose their family if they leave willingly, and you are quite literally the only person they speak to on a familiar basis who isn't a cult member? I'm at the point of throwing up my hands and deciding, "Well, they aren't being physically harmed by any of this, and they're happy, so just let them be. If they cut me off, I have a loving husband and lots of friends, and I live across the country, so about the only thing I'd be missing is monthly telephone calls."

[@vixxcelacea2778]

I can absolutely sympathize. i think the only thing you can do at a certain point is just let them know you're there if they ever need you, but that you have your own life to live. It's difficult to balance wanting to help and be available, but not get anything in return, in this case, even slivers of hope that your younger sister might make it out. There is a saying in abusive communities, which is, don't set yourself on fire to keep someone else warm. Only you can make that determinization if you're getting too hot in the analogy or not.

[@ajohnson4672]

I joined a religious cult at age 17 because my boyfriend grew up in one and he wasn’t supposed to be around “worldlies” . When you used that term.. I had to ask if you were a former OALC member? My husband and I left after I was in for 26 yrs. It was so difficult but I’m thankful we did. It’s been almost 5 yrs out now. Our friends and his family stayed away from us and it was difficult but luckily we had my family. We don’t see any of his family besides his mother now and then. It’s a terribly controlling group!

[@orchdork775]

Make sure she knows that you will always be there for her. Knowing that she has someone she can go to if she ever does decide to leave could be the difference between leaving and staying. Don't actually tell her that part, though. Just say that if she ever needs anything you will always be there for her.

[@zimtastic1171]

I don't have any grand advice to give. I just want to wish you the best in your ventures. I hope you'll be lucky enough to see the day where she is able to see the truth. ❤

[@uberspessmann9604]

What was the "cult"?

[@emaarredondo-librarian]

As a librarianship student (the past millennium!), I witnessed this: we were at a room studying, a student from another level brought a different set of study materials. They were a questionnaire and a booklet from a cult. Not one of us were aware it was a cult, or even what a cult was at the time. One of us casually asked her what was she doing. She explained those were the main teachings of (the cult) and that she was supposed to use the booklet to fill the questionnaire. And our classmate just observed: "How nice of them! They give you the questions *and* also the answers!" And we all laughed. For a group of students who had to answer to many questions without being given the answers beforehand - it was hilarious. But something also clicked there. We all noticed how *odd* that was. Including her. Time later, incidentally, we learned that girl was not going to (the cult's) meetings anymore. Everything was just an anecdote. Sometimes I think that casual interaction saved her life. Nope, that cult didn't end up in a collective suicide, but you know what I mean. ✌

[@dickJohnsonpeter]

You were a "librarianship for the last millennium"? So I'm guessing that means you worked in a library for over a thousand years. Quite impressive,

[@Jesei1211]

We got answers in text form to fill out test questions to improve and check how good reading comprehension was….was my school a cult too? 😂 Was that booklet just out right stating the answers without having to read or analyze? Actually why did every one of you come to the same conclusion with only one piece of information? Did you look into the booklet and questions she was given yourself?

[@whatever4566]

what does being a librarian student has to do with anything

[@stevenhoir4805]

The disconnect from realty is widespread today. And growing. Our media, society and technology are encouraging it.

[@bb5242]

yeah, this is a downside of the Internet

[@AdamPutnam-ur8td]

​@@bb5242we need better algorithms ones that are not only there to give us what we want. We need a broader view from all sides of any subject

[@AdamPutnam-ur8td]

This is why would be dictators thrive on the chaos they create

[@dedgzus6808]

@@AdamPutnam-ur8td Well let's get him out in november.

[@danevertt3210]

@@dedgzus6808you mean make sure he doesn’t make it back in

[@MsEsquire83]

I’m a WWASP survivor (SCL, MT, 1999-2000). Even though we were all subjected to hellish abuses, everyone eventually fell into one of two general subtypes: those who truly bought into the program (that was the actual name for it), and those who didn't. Those of us who didn't believe the cultish bullshit and survived the program (not referring to the kids who all were killed in the program nor those who committed suicide after) were able to adapt and manipulate almost immediately upon arrival as a necessary survival mechanism (quite literally - a lot of kids in the program died in the various facilities before the feds shut it down). You could do an entire video series on WWASP.

[@Elmaddizzy]

Thats a trip. I looked up what you’re talking about. I guess Later Day Saints isant the only cult in Utah. Sucks you all went through that.

[@dannyarcher6370]

I'm a WASP. Well, technically, I'm just a WAS now. But, there you go.

[@MsEsquire83]

@@dannyarcher6370 which program were you in?

[@dannyarcher6370]

@@MsEsquire83 I was in various programmes. Baptist, Methodist, non-denominational. All Protestant, though.

[@AnglephileSwedenGerman]

​@@dannyarcher6370me to, white Anglo Saxon protest

[@michaellowe3665]

I always liked the Carl Segan quote. I would rather have questions I can't answer than answers I can't question. When someone uses coercion or violence in response to questioning their assertions, they are controlling and likely have a cult mentality. Plenty of football team, political, and climate change doomsday enthusiasts fit this description. That is why it is so hard for people to notice when they go over the edge.

[@SteveSmith-rs9qp]

Sorry to inform you, but the Climate Crisis is science, it's real, and is going to end civilization in less than 50 years if we don't stop drinking the fossil fuel Kool Aid! Believers in reality are not "enthusiasts", they are able to hear facts and truth, use critical thinking skills, verify information, and observe actual current weather and environmental events around the world! Not liking or believing the answers to questions, is not "answers you can't question"!

[@slolerner7349]

One of the old-timers in my meditation group said "Sometimes the people who deserve our love the least, need it the most"

[@HisameArtwork]

true, but seems like throwing more resources after bad. nasty neighborhood kids misbehave for attention. treating them well and nice rarely fixes the issues if at home their family is a dumpster fire.

[@slolerner7349]

@@HisameArtwork Are you suggesting the solution is less love?

[@Zappygunshot]

@@HisameArtwork You can show someone love and respect without spoiling them or indulging their (self-)destructive escapism. Providing a space where they can feel safe to be who they are, to feel the emotions they feel, without risk of judgment or scolding or what have you - there is so much power in that. It's a similar principle to how a single injection of money has proven to not just raise people above the poverty line, but prevented them from falling back below it afterward. Similar results with affordable healthcare, benefits for unemployed people, access to respectable housing that won't break the bank, or even just inviting a homeless guy to go for a cup of coffee.

[@freedomishavingachoice3020]

If anyone wants any real life experiences, Dawn Smith left her family and her cult. She has a short tedtalk about what made her want to leave. Listening to those who leave is the best way to learn how to help others leave. Daryl Davis is another really good talk to listen to if you have a loved one in a cult, as he has taken one down immensely. He walked right into a meeting with the leader of the cult who wanted him not quite alive. It takes some kinda balls to do this work. Be careful! Love Y'all.

[@caiuscosades1791]

Daryl Davis really is a badass. Amazing blues musician, convinced KKK members to leave just through his own kindness and he took down a cult?

[@StanleyOrchard]

Man... "feeling seen" hits home with this whole KZbin thing as well. Viewers of a channel have a tendency of feeling 'more seen' due to the more personal nature of KZbin (versus legacy media). Heard a presentor at Video Marketing World mention a statistic that something like 40% of teenagers feel their favorite KZbin creator knows them better than their closest friend. Not sure how this applies to cults... but I see a correlation in that sense of "being seen." Enough so it motivated me to leave a freaking long viseo comment 😂

[@josecarlosmoreno9731]

Sad that in this age of short attention spans, this comment is considered long.

[@zam6877]

Thanks for this... This is definitely an important force, that and a lot shame issues

[@StanleyOrchard]

@@josecarlosmoreno9731 right?!

[@shelbylynn9]

Holy crap!! That’s scary as hell. Thanks for the “long comment!” It was worth typing and reading. Take care!

[@StanleyOrchard]

@@shelbylynn9 oh man, no problem. I'm happy to help! I Wish I had info that was a little more lighthearted on this one 😬😅

[@HiFiasco]

This is one of the best videos I’ve seen in quite a while. As someone who was dazzled into joining a fairly well known organization masquerading as a social club and finding it to be more like a conservative religion with extreme cult-like control and retention tactics, I saw firsthand what the unfortunate people who leave such organizations go through. You pretty much cover it all, and the reasons for joining you mention are valid as well in many respects. I find it difficult not to look back on those lost impoverished years and not be utterly disgusted, being made the more difficult for having family urging me to return and again using tactics you mention. I won’t call out the organization in question to avoid a flame war, but it continues to make me sick to my stomach to think back on. Losers all. Someone was once quoted as saying, “Good riddance to bad rubbish!” I’ve just let it go and decided to move on.

[@joshuaashton1929]

Good for you 👍

[@barrymoore4470]

Insofar as cults are religious movements, I think the term is basically used to disparage a religion one doesn't like. After all, most of the world's major surviving religions originated as followings of a single charismatic leader, and if these early iterations popped up today, they would be largely critiqued and dismissed as cults by the very adherents of the present mainstream religions that developed from them. As was once stated to me, when I saw parallels between early Christianity and Islam with modern-day cults: "The difference between a cult and a religion is 2,000 years." A late friend of mine also argued that society itself can be seen as a cult, in that individuals are pressured or coerced into conforming with demands and expectations that are often blindly accepted and go unquestioned by the masses.

[@pandakicker1]

I totally agree except there must be a distinction between malicious and benign cults, in my opinion. Not all cults are bad and some can actually be helpful to one’s life. It is the ones that abuse its members that are terrible for people and society. Religious cults are either one or the other and no two are exactly the same. We’d have to look at them all as individuals against a set of standards for what defines them as a malicious cult or a benign cult to be able to really say with more accuracy.

[@God-k5b]

Naw people have this urge to follow someone, most people are too busy lazy and arnt smart enough to think for themselves. I on the other hand might hate a person I follow but respect this persons ability to lead or do business etc. People actually start thinking the person they follow is the best ignoring any shitty side to this person. The best way this to compartmentalize your ideas about a person. It’s also a good idea to shit on yourself and hate your own way of thinking. I always question myself even if I’m right. If you can’t trust yourself, why would you trust other people. Trust and positivity leads to dumbass cult like love for others. Criticize everyone, including yourself. Live in hate and negativity. Stay toxic. Namaste🙏🏼

[@TranscendentBen]

@@pandakicker1 Calling something a "benign cult" redefines the word cult (redefining words is one thing cults do). Part of the common meaning of cult is a group that has negative influence on its members. If a group is benign, don't call it a cult.

[@TranscendentBen]

There's a fine line between religion and cult, but just because a group is not religious (or even "spiritual" - some religious cults claim to be spiritual, not religious!) does NOT mean it's not a cult. There are many secular cults, and they're usually multi-level marketing businesses. Amway, Mary Kay and Herbalife are examples, often blurring the line between legitimate businesses and pyramid/confidence schemes. LuLaRoe is a recent example, it apparently started and grew as a legit business, but became a cult as financial pressures started. Those underneath were crushed because they were relying on the business for their income, but lost out when it collapsed.

[@briebel2684]

All religions are thought control to an extent, but some factions exert more control than others. Cult is the loose term for the more controlling ones.

[@Gauldame]

"2. They desire a sense of community" That resonated a little too close. Recently I've had many content creators that are like yourself discuss how we've lost the "third space" due to everything being hyper-monetized. 1. Definition of 3rd space in this context. One space is home, one space is work, and one space is "other places" where we can socialize and interact. a. ex. kids used to be able to go to the mall and hang out. Or a park, or go skating or something. What are they to do now? Where can they go and just belong and be social. It's paywalled with travel, and expense, and places not being available. b. ex. 2. Just being an adult. Everything that is social requires a buy in. Even dating apps are now paywalled. Where can dudes just hang out with dudes and be dudes without paying money? Where can chicks chill and be chill without paying money? Every interaction is either paywalled with literal money or paywalled with "I have to spend XYZ of my time doing this, and I have work in abc hours. So I best get something out of it" 2. Because of 1, everyone is lonely. And because of 1., there are so many vultures willing to do things to fix the loneliness, for a price.

[@j.c.jeggis1818]

The third space was lost because people rejected it in favour of staying home and indulging their screen addictions. You can still go to a mall and hang out. You can still go to the skate park and hang out. Cities still have festivals and fireworks shows where groups of friends can congregate for free. They’re dying because people don’t attend them, because they’d rather stay home and ruminate about being lonely.

[@pokepress]

Libraries work pretty well, though the hours can be an issue.

[@Anon26535]

"Third spaces" are actually a big reason why Vietnam did so well after the war was over. They were one of the few Communist regimes who really took the "community" part seriously and put a lot of effort into getting people involved in activities outside work. A lot of people resented it at first, but it seems like it didn't work out too badly in the end.

[@YoungTastyTV]

I feel like the loss of third spaces must be really hard for extroverts. I'm extremely introverted so my life hasn't changed too much, but I'm regularly aware that we've lost the old societal default of being around people all the time. For anyone who needed that in order to feel energized or alive or whatever, I can't imagine how depressing the changes of the last 20 years must be.

[@randommemebean686]

Personally I noticed I'm a lot happier quitting social media and taking some multi vitamins. I don't know what this has to do with the video but it might help some one.

[@pokepress]

One thing you didn’t mention as a way out of a cult is a leadership collapse. If leadership passes away, gets arrested, or is otherwise removed, that has a massive effect. Usually.

[@stinkymart3173]

"I like being right, but sometimes I don't" 😂 I've tried to avoid pessimism but i used to say, "well if I assume the worst I'll either be right, or pleasantly surprised."

[@weegeequeviucoisas9854]

I live how no one in the comment section is following the advice in the video and instead are going out of their way to make the problem worse. Way to go guys!

[@dawnvalentine74]

Yup. Ridiculous.

[@WokioWolfy]

Wait, could you explain?

[@Juttutin]

What struck me watching this is how completely Scientology has structures, beliefs, practices, and policies to actively defeat most of what was suggested. By requiring disconnection from any family who are not in the cult and who question them. By proactively making psychologily the greatest evil to be avoided. etc etc One 'declared' (i.e. excommunicated) KZbinr recently discovered that her father is still alive, contrary to what she has been told for over a decade. It's really hard to let someone know you're thinking about them when the cult goes to such lengths to prevent any contact with what they call "potential trouble sources (PTS)" and "suppressive persons (SPs)"

[@Skyefaux]

Exmormon here. Kinda feels like a miracle i escaped tbh

[@josephkoester3217]

Hey me too! I was the last person anyone expected to leave, but here we are

[@bigatomicsloth3369]

ex-evangelical Baptist. Same here. I just snapped out of it one day.

[@vicenzor3625]

What's the worst parts of being Mormon? On the surface they seem social and friendly, but the dogmatic adherence to fundamentalist conservative views would appear to be very off-putting and destructive internally

[@Skyefaux]

@@josephkoester3217 same 💜

[@sevex9]

I think your missing the mark on 'conservative views.' It has more to do with that adherence to dogma part you mentioned.@@vicenzor3625

[@ArcanoSilverwind]

Love is the answer. Unfortunately, most people are terminally online where kindness is more rare.

[@PAS100170]

I'm always glad when somebody highlights this topic. I have 'deprogrammed' somebody. They were ready to question what they had been living and the cult allowed members to 'take a break', which is clearly to keep people questioning away from the rest of the group. Took months and months and months and was an incredibly slow process. At first every time I explained something differently it was rejected but slowly the pieces started to make sense to them and they came round. Bit of a comedown to discover that the person who'd manipulated you wasn't actually God and the things you'd seen were carefully choreographed manipulations. I'd challenge the music fans and cults statement. Some groups are very much in that area. I challenge anybody with knowledge of cults to watch a certain Mars based musician interact with fans and not be very uncomfortable. I personally also separate destructive cults from 'cults'. The experience clearly different for each person but as you get nearer and nearer the inner circle things often seem to get more and more destructive. Many things fit some of the definitions of cult but aren't 'destructive'. I'm also seeing a lot more cults around. Hiding behind Yoga , 'breathing' , meditation, or other gateways. Once you know they're easy to spot. One even uses games nights. If it's free be wary. If ANYTHING you ask feels like they aren't answering straight find another course, particularly if it's about follow-up paths and costs. Then, of course, there are the political cults. Right now, the question 'How did the Nazi's happen?' should be turned around to 'How is it groups like the Nazi's don't happen more often?'. Personality political cults get big and get nasty. The most destructive.

[@karlgillott]

"Be nicer to each other" You are spot on - it's that simple :)

[@nellier3468]

When people are worshipping Hitler it’s kinda hard to be nice to them 😢

[@wheres_bears1378]

My friend of 27 years went down the qanon rabbit hole, when I warned him about all that stuff he cut me off. Let them go, they can be dangerous

[@MaineMan2023]

I had a former friend ask me what I was going to do about the child sex torture tunnels under the U.S. Capitol building…. QANON freaks!

[@MrDucksBill]

Q anon is real. Not only will you owe you friend an apology you support pesos

[@wheres_bears1378]

@@MrDucksBill no I don’t, the guy went so far down the rabbit hole he thinks he’s a super soldier who protected earth from a space invasion in a past life. He owes himself an apology I don’t need one cause I’m done.

[@facepalm7345]

@@MrDucksBill its easier to fool someone than convince them they've been fooled. I question everything that's presented to me as the truth, do you?

[@wheres_bears1378]

@@MrDucksBill he got to the point where he thought he was a star seed/super soldier in a past life. He owes himself an apology. Q’anon is not real it feeds on mentally ill people, the other stuff is real but in the context of Q’anon definitely not

[@purplepaprikaaa]

speaking from experience, some cults will try to make their members cut off all connections to family or any connections to the outside world. this is a tactic they use to make sure you dont have a way out, so if you have a family member or friend who is in this type of situation, try your best to keep in contact. even if they never respond, show them you care and that you are there for them, because if/when they snap out of it, they know you are there to help them.

[@Nicole-xd1uj]

An excellent take on a troubling problem. I generally have a very low tolerance for people who's vulnerabilities have led them down a destructive path but this video was a great reminder that I should be more charitable.

[@eric2500]

It was refreshing, wasn't it? Your comment makes up for a lot of the negative or disruptive ones, which made my tolerance go way down, SO THANK YOU!!

[@EsotericSyncretism]

The sunk cost fallacy I think explains a huge part of why people are so resistant to leave cults and abusive relationships

[@philc3912]

My nephew was sucked into a cult. It has cost him huge sums of money and drastically affected his mental health, any attempt to make him see sense is flat out rejected as he always knows best. He is constantly bombarded by material to persuade him to put more money in. Having a family member who is an Apple fanboy is heartbreaking.

[@vixxcelacea2778]

I don't know if this was meant to be sarcastic or genuine, but either way, you aren't wrong. Cults don't have to be religions. They can be financial movements, corporations, people, celebrities etc. Cults also don't have to be as uniform as people expect with community living and ostracizing others in that way.

[@AndrewSavasoMusic]

Always sad to see another soul leave the Church of the Android Phone...

[@fighterpilotdragon02]

It's interesting to hear how people get into cults as adults. I was born into my cult, and I was homeschooled from the perspective of my cult, so relearning and educating myself has been difficult

[@echalone]

when you said "snap back to reality" my brain automatically went "ope, there goes gravity" xD

[@thomasvaughan294]

I'm a Jowskottist, we can only speak if we first play a quick guitar riff or play some bongos.

[@D-Rock420]

And can only explain or complain about things via a "tangent cam" 😅

[@beejc1128]

😂

[@theGoogol]

Ahhh ... the Clan of the Forbidden Tan.

[@marcusm8009]

A bard?

[@Cancoillotteman]

Honestly that would make a very fun comic relief caracter design X)

[@rogerbartlet5720]

My experience with cult members is the feeling they've found all the answers and are at peace - families and faith communities once did this but times have changed. I've listened to these people and having a a background in philosophy found most of the tenets recycled, from everyone including Aristotle to Epicurus and even religious figures, reminding me off a Russian saying that "Everything new is something old that has been sufficiently forgotten". I can listen to their assertions and arguments and while intellectually "slapping them down" would been easy, I found befriending them and patiently listening worked better. Then there are the proselytizers, the least likely to engage in discussion and likely to label you an enemy or a problem is they can't answer your arguments. These guys are troublemakers who've attached to a cause, we see them in politics on the news. Distance and letting them burn out, face disappointment is the best of handing them. If it's a family member put up boundaries, agree to disagree and if that's not enough then take a break from the relationship for a while. Take the high ground.

[@Pushing_Pixels]

I like that Russian saying.

[@kaw8473]

The most dangerous thing about cults is that they are infinitely scalable, requiring only two individuals all the way up to entire populations. If you currently exist in a system that everyone else in the system requires you not to question it, you're in a cult.

[@blakebrunner5499]

Evidence suggest they are not infinitely scalable.

[@gregcampwriter]

All of this blows up when it's your family that raised you in a cult.

[@DawnDavidson]

Definitely makes it MUCH more difficult to leave. Not impossible, but you’d have to find one or more supportive people to help with the transition, if you don’t have family for that role. I left a high control religion by finding likeminded people and creating chosen family. Therapy can also help if you can find a good one.

[@aziouss2863]

Grew up muslim all my life but it never sat well with me even as a kid. I kept asking questions and imagining scenarios until i arrived to the conclusion it was just... a cult... The sad thing is i dont know how to save my friends and family from it.

[@BMoser-bv6kn]

We grow up and are shaped by our tribe. And all believe in silly nonsense that's inaccurate, a fantasy, or false. Do they *need* saving? What will they gain by leaving? What will they lose by staying? How do they value things - they're different than you and may care about different things in different degrees. Nobody has to live their lives but them. If your main problem is you just feel lonely without them, you've seen why people stay. Submission to authority and goofy dogma that makes a group more resistant to fraternizing with its out-groups have been selected for by natural selection. The tribe is everything. We're more than a little messed up animals, meat was never meant to think this much.

[@aziouss2863]

@@BMoser-bv6knNope. That is just the blackpilled rethorict disguised as nihilism

[@God-k5b]

Does Islam affect them negatively? Like is their life worse with Islam? I did research and It seems like people who are Muslim have the lowest rates of STDs, divorce, crime and a whole other bunch of stats. I’m not Muslim but it seems like their structured way of living and moral background helps a lot.

[@God-k5b]

@@BMoser-bv6kn people have this urge to follow someone, most people are too busy lazy and arnt smart enough to think for themselves. I on the other hand might hate a person I follow but respect this persons ability to lead or do business etc. People actually start thinking the person they follow is the best ignoring any shitty side to this person. The best way this to compartmentalize your ideas about a person. It’s also a good idea to shit on yourself and hate your own way of thinking. I always question myself even if I’m right. If you can’t trust yourself, why would you trust other people. Trust and positivity leads to dumbass cult like love for others. Criticize everyone, including yourself. Live in hate and negativity. Stay toxic. Namaste🙏🏼

[@amuaiz]

Me too... it's a coercive environment that severely punishes dissent.

[@RemedialRob]

Thanks to Joe and this video I now understand more about creating a cult and how best to use my cult to control and influence any potential followers. This was really helpful. Thanks again Joe! :D

[@eric2500]

In a democracy the party leader that is supporting our ideas is never perfect and we all know it. He OR SHE is not supposed to be a God Emperor, he is supposed to do the best he can to do to get laws and policies passed that work for the good of the country by means of the set of ideas that inspire that party and enough voters.

[@liammcintosh8466]

I don’t watch your sponsored ads. I just watch your videos and content up until that. But I really appreciate the messages you give about the human condition. To you, the writers, production and editing team… good show ol’ chap. Much love from Australia

[@jamesbell7696]

Great video and topic, Joe. I was raised in a high control group and finally left in my early 40s. WAY back in the day (2011 maybe?) I dabbled in podcasting and interviewed Steve Hassan, as well. His books are great and highly recommended!

[@sfkeepay]

My partner’s brother started dating a young woman involved in cult - her father was actually some kind of regional authority for them. They welcomed the brother warmly, brought him into the “family” and he and the girl married and have two kids. He was brought into preaching their message and rose to become a full-on priest. He’s a total tool, and all but ignores his original family, barely ever speaking even with his mom, my mother-in-law, which is very painful for her. Pretty much as soon as he was “born again” as an evangelical, he was brainwashed into thinking his old life and original family are all bad for his “relationship with God.” But that’s Christianity for you.

[@ugiswrong]

Yeah but he got a house and kids and money? Not a bad deal

[@twintailsanimations4973]

Sorry this happened. However, there's about a billion Christians on the planet and you end with slamming them all. Seems like you have some prejudice that goes beyond your personal situation.

[@vixxcelacea2778]

@@twintailsanimations4973 A billion people could be in a cult. Cult isn't defined by size.

[@Dylanbased]

Reddit is down the hall and to the left

[@jimcannibal4911]

@@vixxcelacea2778 So, you say Christianity is a cult?

[@stevespain6445]

I'd argue that there's a whole heap of KZbin channels that are essentially personality cults.

[@blackshard641]

Speaking of KZbin personalities, I can think of at least one notable psychology professor with an extraordinarily devoted online fanbase that might be considered a bit cultish.

[@eric_has_no_idea]

He went for a very specific group of people that feel left out of society. He reinforced them thinking them being disenfranchised was more common than reality. It one of the current big ones, a long with one other he appears with often, that is going to take a long time to repair.

[@MrJC1]

​@@blackshard641sounds like turley... then again I cannot remember if it was psychology actually...

[@marcosortega3350]

Who is this person?

[@WhiskerDooz]

Yeah I suppose that can extend to many influencers these days across all socials

[@999benhonda]

Singers/music artists have long had cults...but now even Politicians have them, and that's scary to see.

[@vixxcelacea2778]

It's literally called "cult of personality" and as far as I understand, it started with Regan.

[@pokepress]

As far as musicians go, the closest I’ve heard to a traditional cult is something like R. Kelly.

[@MarikHavair]

My friend politicians between 5k-10k years ago progenerated the cult, from an abstract idea into a real tangible thing. The word cult is a derivative of the word culture, which is the fruit of the labors of the polis (city) from whence the word policy politics and politicians derive. Politicians don't 'even now' have cults, they've always had them.

[@jazcc]

Joe you’re the only KZbinr that gets me into these sponsorships. You really know how to pick them. I’m downloading Ground now.

[@hecticenergy1233]

I loose my faith in people too quickly. It’s its own challenge so no judgement. Great video concept and execution. Thanks Joe!

[@hereandnow3534]

When you are born into a cult, it can very lonely when you choose to leave. You are often leaving your family and friends.

[@PAS100170]

Yep. A few really good friends of mine former JW. They're not so friendly if you walk away.

[@Southboundpachyderm]

I completely disagree that fandoms aren't cult like. They absolutely are. Fandoms are CONSUMERIST in nature and they absolutely are tied to peoples identities.

[@uberspessmann9604]

so?

[@Southboundpachyderm]

@@uberspessmann9604 so people treat their fandoms like cults. Which is bad? I’m not quite sure what you’re trying to ask.

[@uberspessmann9604]

@@Southboundpachyderm Cult is just a derogative term with a vague meaning to label things that people have an emotional investment in as bad.

[@Southboundpachyderm]

@@uberspessmann9604 also if you have emotional investment in fandoms, that is just religious thinking applied to capitalism. I’m not sure why you would want to live in that world. But maybe you like just being sold slop and told to consume as much as possible to be the “biggest fan”

[@Freddisred]

​@@uberspessmann9604It's not explicitly derogatory, some films having a cult following can be an endearing attribute. Can fandom be elevated into a belief system? Not usually but there are arguments to be made, like that danny phantom fan that took the lives of his coworkers.

[@danieldevito6380]

Politicians, from BOTH sides, in combination with social media, are the reasons why our society is so fractured. If both parties came together to end the divide, things would definitely improve significant. Sadly, though, this won't happen because today's politicians only care about power and money, not making the country better.

[@glenjennett]

Cults have been around since humans have, but what is considered to be a cult is debatable and not completely understood. Cults are most often thought to be religious groups, but that is not the only definition. The word culture is derived from cult, but we don't think of cultures as being cults even though technically they are. A cult is basically just a lifestyle that is different from other accepted lifestyles. All religions are cults, even though they are not generally seen that way. Every culture can be seen as a cult. Cult is used to stigmatize lifestyles and beliefs that we don't accept, but that shouldn't be the case. Not accepting someone's beliefs and trying to change them is no different than religious organizations doing the same thing.

[@johnnyrocket4357]

I remember reading to think how hard it is to change our own bad habits, to stick to a diet, or to make ourselves go to the gym. It's difficult to do even when we are already convinced it is the right thing for us to do. Even then it can be impossible for some due to the lack of discipline. Based on our own experiences with our own struggles, it shouldn't be a surprise that it is next to impossible to force someone to change their mind or behavior just because you want them to do so.

[@5nowChain5]

Good luck deprogramming John Travolta and Tom Cruise...lolz

[@simonb4757]

The defining characteristics of cults you list also seem to pretty much all apply to the military as well. I realised as soon as Dr Hassan said "its a disruption of your identity" that is exactly the tactic the military take.

[@imaseeker100]

This settles it. Mr Joe Scott is now my guru.

[@paulapierrot9542]

My sister is into Hare Krishna. This might not be a dangerous cult but it creeped me out when she called her guru "my spiritual father" and didn't come to her actual father's funeral because doing Hare Krishna activities on that day was more important to her. She used to be an independent thinker, a punk rocker, now she's so brainwashed it's sad. She doesn't seem sad, though and I hope she's alright. The Hare Krishna people tried to convert me several times. Whenever I would get along with some of her Hare Krishna friends they immediately talk about their spiritual awakening, recommend books and try to convince me to join one of their meeting. It always feels a bit like they're scared for my soul and try to safe it. It's weird that there's so little critical discussion about Hare Krishna.

[@iammrbeat]

You all sure made cults sound like religions. Maybe the old formula is true after all: Cult + time = religion

[@TheAndroidNextDoor]

I can't help but appreciate the number of people who will watch this and think, "Yeah this is exactly describing my political opponents." And not even realize the sad irony that just went right over their heads.

[@i.b.640]

The sad thing is, that for some years now, that is exactly describing MY Political group.

[@drewharrison6433]

There's a little bit of a false equivalency here. I don't think that Republicans or conservatives are in a cult but the Trump movement is a cult. It's not just because I disagree with them either.

[@birdsandthingsbeachandbush1064]

I watch it and think that's why our government wants us scared and broken into smaller groups. To fk with our head and hold out hands of help that are knives.

[@TheAndroidNextDoor]

@i.b.640 the scary thing is how little that does to narrow it down.

[@birdsandthingsbeachandbush1064]

Lol they took my comments

[@tomix3568]

I really love the little bread crumbs of implications you give about current political/cultural movements 😉

[@dallenpowell2745]

As an Ex-Mormon this video hit me really hard. I didn't join a high control group. I was born into one. I was never given a chance to know myself without the manipulation, fear tactics, scrupulosity, and CPTSD. While I have plenty of happy memories there's no 'safe' time in my life to return to. I can't just roll back to a previous operating system before I joined because it's always been there. Now as an adult I have to build a completely new outlook on life from the pieces I've chosen to keep. In many ways I've had to learn to parent myself while at the same time letting me be a kid again. It's painful and confusing and I wouldn't wish it on my worst enemy. Thank you for bringing more awareness to these problems. We're going through some difficult times and comforting lies are everywhere. We need to learn that it's ok to be uncomfortable. It's ok to not know the answer to life, the universe, and everything. It's ok to be undecided on complex topics. It's ok to live in the gray between black and white thinking. It's ok to question everything while letting love and compassion be your guide. It's ok.

[@deboracopeland4795]

Beautiful, just beautiful. I wish you all the wonders of living free and enjoying this lovely planet. Be a child again, do as you please without hurting anyone and you’ll be fine. ❤

[@willnill7946]

I’m an ex Mormon, but ex Mormons act more as an insane cult that Mormons. I never had hard feelings, just went on my way and don’t bring it up. Never felt I was in a cult

[@tacotuesday1960]

There’s no true difference between a cult and a religion. The human mind will naturally worship something whether it realizes it or not. Nazism, Communism, MAGAism, modern woke theory all have elements of religion in them. Being a true atheist is a myth. We are all sheep. Keep this in mind, just because you left your childhood religion does not mean you’re a “free thinker”. You simply will find another god to worship even if it’s yourself. Be careful what you choose to worship. That’s why there’s so many “cults” without the mainstream religions people still have to have the desire to worship.

[@deboracopeland4795]

@@tacotuesday1960 hasn’t happened so far and I’ve been an atheist for 30 years.

[@tacotuesday1960]

@@deboracopeland4795 I bet it happened 30 years ago. I seriously doubt it, you’re a human being that means you worship. You might not realize it but I guarantee you worship something. Not believing in the Christian concept of God does not mean you don’t worship things. In your above comment you mentioned that you should do what you please without hurting people. You do realize that’s a religious principle. Surely you know that evolutionary it’s not always disadvantageous to hurt other people and animals. In fact many animals eat the young of their own species to further their own genes. That’s a value based statement not a scientific one.

[@Hypertropes]

This is such a prescient video and something I’ve been thinking about a lot lately.

[@hectorsmommy1717]

My friend was in a non denominational home church when she was in college in the late 70's. It was an uber-fundy Christian church which didn't qualify as a cult because there wasn't the level of exploitation or control associated with cults, it was more like an extreme belief. Her parents were so freaked out because she renounced the Catholic Church so they hired a deprogrammer. She was kidnapped and held for a month as they tried. At the end, she did not change and he actually wanted to hire her to deprogram actual cult members because she knew the Bible so well. Since then she has modified the extremism a bit but otherwise is happy, healthy, married to a pastor, and a loving grandmother.

[@VladimirZharkov]

Going from such a nice message into the cold cut to the advertisement is honestly incredibly depressing.

[@NeighborhoodOfBlue]

Yeah, this was too sensitive a subject to end with an ad. It's an emotional rugpull, even if it's a helpful resource.

[@thedumbdog1964]

These KZbinrs just can’t make the stand

[@andoletube]

The current cult situation in the US is the highest it's ever been because it's gone mainstream...

[@ashleybanks-wm4cg]

This could be a whole video 😮😮😮

[@thomasgrabkowski8283]

Plus social media algorithm really pushing it

[@chuckpatterson7006]

crazy. being in a cult seems like it’s almost the same experience as being in a relationship with a narcissist.

[@fotnite_]

It's no coincidence, in most cases cults are created by narcissists to expand the number of people they can abuse. It seems like a relationship with a narcissist, because in essence that's what it really is. I've been watching TheraminTress for the last while, and his channel is primarily on how to deal with abusers and cults.

[@thomasgrabkowski8283]

Well cults are led by narcissists

[@agrownupkid]

Great video Joe. The kindness approach is definitely the last approach that I want to take when I see a certain cult group...but it's probably the way to go.

[@ag3575]

Raised Jehovah's Witness and left that awful group when I turned 28. It was really hard my entire family and friend group was involved, but it was 100% worth getting out and learning about the real world. Support groups and therapy really helped me reintegrate into wider society.

[@TechyBen]

As someone who left Jehovah's Witnesses later in life, and was a "true believer", peace to everyone leaving them and Mormons and Scientology. I hope your journey out into the real world is smooth and safe!

[@StingrayOfficial]

I live in Utah. I am surrounded by them. The LDS cult might be one of the largest in the world.

[@GabrielsLogic]

Its telling that certain people in the comments are instantly jumping to defend their political beliefs... Just saying 😅

[@harrisdizdarevic5797]

I'm great at deprogramming ppl but you see they then get attached to me. I've a fear of becoming a cult leader myself.

[@LassetUnsSpielen]

I'd follow you anywhere, you don't even have so say anything

[@sahulianhooligan7046]

The mental process behind someone wanting to join a cult can involve various factors like a desire for belonging, seeking meaning, or vulnerability to manipulation. Conversely, wanting to leave may stem from disillusionment, recognizing manipulation, or a desire to regain autonomy. Both involve complex psychological dynamics and can be influenced by individual experiences and external factors.

[@dalebaker9533]

The three biggest cults right now are Transgenderism, Wokeness and Marxism. All three of these fit The Supreme Court Definition of a religion. Transgenderism and Wokeness fits nicely into the definition of a cult while only a moderate amount of Marxist groups can.

[@NovemberEcho313]

You guys, I think Joe made eye contact with me during the video.

[@doctorrenegade839]

Wow! I feel so blessed. November Echo was just speaking directly to me!

[@MinktheStorykeeper]

I feel so seen. He really does want the best for us!

[@deboracopeland4795]

Lol

[@doktormcnasty]

I dunno as a cult aficionado myself I find the real problem is there's too many cults and too little time available to be able get involved with them all. It's overwhelming, if I'm being honest but it sure does keep me busy!

[@montesmakes]

Bold of you to assume I know people.

[@shaundinsdale2756]

I’ve watched your channel for years and love it. Every time I watch a video I think about the phrase to go bold gracefully. I can’t help but look at your lack of hair at the front of your head. Could you consider changing your hair style to represent what you have? Keep up the good work.

[@hardtakeoff]

Are you asking him to make himself look less attractive?

[@thornescapes7707]

If someone wants to encourage positive change in others, it's crucial to reward change. Yes, that seems obvious. It should be obvious. However, some people will never ever forgive someone for past mistakes. The classic example is if a politician said or did something bad decades ago, and since changed their position to something positive. Changing back and forth and back again is "wishy washy" and garbage. Changing from negative to positive is different. Positive change what is what we want. It's what we hope for. We need to encourage and reward positive change. It's the best solution. It's hard for someone to leave a negative place when the "Good Guys" will never ever forgive them for their past mistakes. It's hard to make positive changes when the "positive people" reject you permanently for your past mistakes. It makes it far more likely that they'll just go back to what they were before, where people will accept you if you just hate who they want. Some people hate the concept of "forgiving horrible people". This makes positive change far far harder.

[@StubbyPhillips]

Any advice for dealing with members of the Apple cult?

[@ennuiincarnate]

Laugh at them in android.

[@shawizz]

Awww, what’s wrong with my apple? 🤭

[@dvdh4856]

I have an iphone but honestly, anyone who thinks themselves superior because of their preferred tech brand is an idiot. So I’d say just ignore apple fanatics lol.

[@blissjunkie999]

@@dvdh4856exactly. I have an iPhone. But am by no means an Apple evangelist.

[@Ben-Rogue]

Shaming them for buying products made with slave and child labor might help... But Apple cultists are particularly well insulated from reason

[@lindalealphamale]

As a cult leader, I find this video offensive and call for its removal.

[@AndrewSavasoMusic]

Snowflake. You realize they're just telling us what we need to watch out for, right?

[@firstjayjay]

I have lots of friends that are in a cult. But I struggle to not be judgemental, but respectful and understand of their illness. And some of them have actually found their own way out and stopped buying apple products. There is hope

[@AndrewSavasoMusic]

It encourages me every time I hear about someone joining the Church of the Android Phone...

[@meetthecassiani]

Love this. I felt this episode was particularly informationally dense - more so than usual. I had to rewatch a few times to feel like I was picking up what was being laid down. I want Mr Scott to know that I found this very interesting and informative. Very good idea to cover something people don’t usually think of. So good, in fact, that I wanted to make this comment. Please keep it coming you’re doing an outstanding job.

[@markrosenthal9108]

I'd describe a cult as a group to which you voluntarily submit your own independent identity, rationale, and moral code. A club, family, political party, or religion need not be a cult, but they can be. And this lies at the heart of the slogan "Question authority" as demonstrated by people like Benjamin Franklin, Socrates, and Daniel Ellsberg. If you are prepared to question and challenge what you see on your own as wrong in your group, you are not a cult member.

[@hellepost1439]

John Gorenfeld. Jeff Shalet.

[@fleshmuseum]

You've got 1.81m followers and your videos are amazing, but please teach your editor how to equalize audio so I dont have to constantly turn up and down my volume.

[@Michigntiger08]

So hypothetically - a cult leader who calls on his supporters to fight like hell for them, a bunch of the cult members go to jail, at least 1 dies, and the cult leader does exactly nothing for them despite literally having the ability to pardon them from jail... Would that be nearly a perfect example of a cult? Oh and then said cult leader continues to bilk those followers out of hundreds of thousands of dollars?

[@darksu6947]

Selling them really ugly shoes was the worst transgression he's committed by far. Those things are hideous 😂

[@robertanderson5092]

I love when two members of competing cults start calling each other cult members 😂

[@Michigntiger08]

@@robertanderson5092 what cult are you blindly assuming I'm in?

[@albertrand71]

Yes. Exactly like that.

[@steve166h]

@@Michigntiger08well your post clearly parrots “the message” of a certain side, and it sounds like you drank the Kool-Aid.

[@michaelrivera6989]

There are only two people in my life I'd be willing to work hard enough for to get them out of a cult, my wife and my son. Everyone else would be just too much work.

[@Locut0s]

Over the last 4 of 5 years I’ve watched a lot of people who probably already felt like they were on the outskirts of society dive way into the deep end. I’ve heard lots and lots of stories sadly from friends who have seen the same from other friends. Friends who maybe we always felt held some out there ideas and views but who were otherwise mostly well connected members of society, who turned into 24 / 7 conspiracy theory shouting angry scared people. It’s sad.

[@andhaskins]

Thanks for using your platform to put something so awesomely human into the conversation