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Coercive Control in Online Cults: The Hidden Danger of the Digital World

PART 1 OF 2

Wolf as a metaphor for a cult leader sitting behind a computer screen using coercive behaviour to lure victims into their den.
Cult leaders are like wolves in grandma's clothing.

In today’s interconnected world, the internet has become more than just a platform for information and communication. It’s a space where communities form, relationships flourish, and unfortunately, where manipulation and control can thrive. One particularly insidious form of manipulation happening online is coercive control within cult-like groups. While we often think of cults as secretive gatherings in isolated locations, many modern cults operate entirely online, using social media, forums, and chat rooms to recruit and control members. In this blog post, we'll delve into how these online cults use coercive control tactics to ensnare vulnerable individuals, and how you can protect yourself and your loved ones from falling prey to them.


What Is Coercive Control?


Coercive control is a pattern of behaviour used to dominate and manipulate someone, often involving psychological, emotional, and sometimes physical abuse. In the context of online cults, coercive control can take on many forms, such as isolating members from outside influences, gaslighting, manipulating information, and creating dependency on the group or leader. These tactics can be subtle, but their effects are devastating, leaving individuals feeling trapped and powerless.


The Rise of Online Cults


With the rise of the internet, cults have found a new frontier. Traditional barriers like geography and access are no longer obstacles. Online cults can reach potential recruits anywhere, anytime. They often present themselves as self-help groups, spiritual communities, or exclusive clubs, masking their true intentions behind a facade of support and enlightenment.


Online cults can be particularly dangerous because they operate in spaces where people are often seeking connection, community, or answers. This makes them fertile ground for manipulative leaders who know how to exploit these needs. From charismatic influencers claiming to have the secrets to life, to spiritual “gurus” offering a path to enlightenment, the internet is rife with individuals looking to draw others into their web of control.


Tactics of Coercive Control in Online Cults


  1. Love Bombing and Validation:

    • Online cults often begin their manipulation with a tactic called “love bombing”—showering potential recruits with compliments, attention, and validation. In the digital world, this might look like a flood of supportive comments, messages, or likes. This initial outpouring of positivity makes the target feel valued and accepted, creating a sense of loyalty and belonging.


  2. Information Control:

    • Controlling the flow of information is a cornerstone of coercive control. Online cult leaders may encourage followers to only consume content from within the group or demonise outside sources as “unenlightened” or “dangerous.” They create an echo chamber where only the leader's perspective is valid, isolating members from external opinions and facts.


  3. Gaslighting and Emotional Manipulation:

    • Gaslighting, or making someone question their reality, is a common tactic. Online, this can take the form of denying or dismissing concerns raised by members, reframing harmful behaviours as "for their own good," or labelling dissenters as negative or ungrateful. Emotional manipulation can also include guilt-tripping members into obedience by implying that leaving the group would harm the leader or other members.


  4. Creating Dependency:

    • Cult leaders foster a sense of dependency by convincing members that the group is the only place where they can be understood, accepted, or enlightened. They may use spiritual jargon, pseudoscientific concepts, or even personal confidences shared by members against them, reinforcing the idea that only the group or leader can provide what they need.


  5. Us vs. Them Mentality:

    • To solidify control, online cults often create a strong “us vs. them” narrative. They position the group as enlightened or chosen, while outsiders are seen as misguided or even evil. This mentality isolates members from friends, family, and anyone who might challenge the cult’s ideology, making it easier for the leader to maintain control.


Why Are Online Cults So Effective?


The digital world provides cults with anonymity, reach, and the ability to operate without geographical constraints. It allows leaders to craft a curated image and control their followers' experiences through filtered content. Moreover, the lack of physical presence means that members might not even realise they’re part of a cult, as the dynamics can feel more like a community or fan group than a traditional cult structure.


Signs You or Someone You Know May Be in an Online Cult


  • Isolation from Others: The group encourages you to distance yourself from friends or family, or to spend an excessive amount of time online with the group.


  • Us vs. Them Mentality: The group portrays itself as having exclusive knowledge or righteousness and paints outsiders as dangerous or unworthy.


  • Manipulative Behaviour: Leaders or members use guilt, shame, or fear to influence your actions or thoughts.


  • Secrecy and Paranoia: You’re asked to keep group activities secret or are warned not to trust anyone outside the group.



Protecting Yourself from Online Cults


Little red riding hood searching the internet
Just like Little Red Riding Hood, we all need to be aware of wolves lurking in online forests.
  1. Stay Connected to Reality:

    • Make sure you have a balanced online and offline life. Stay connected to family, friends, and hobbies outside of the group.


  2. Question Everything:

    • Healthy groups encourage critical thinking and questioning. If questioning or dissent is discouraged or punished, this is a red flag.


  3. Seek Outside Perspectives:

    • If you’re feeling uncertain about a group, talk to someone outside of it. A fresh perspective can be invaluable in recognizing manipulative tactics.


  4. Know the Signs of Coercive Control:

    • Familiarise yourself with the signs of coercive control and trust your instincts. If something feels off, it probably is. Refer to the How to Spot a Cult rubric.


Conclusion


The internet has given cults new tools to manipulate and control, making it easier for them to operate undetected. By understanding the tactics of coercive control and recognising the signs, we can protect ourselves and others from falling into their traps. Remember, not every online group is what it seems, and even in the digital world, there are wolves in sheep’s clothing. Stay vigilant, stay informed, and stay safe.

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