Signs and Red Flags
This can be categorized by saying "I love you" within the first few days/weeks of knowing someone
Love Bombing
Cult leaders often rely on this social epidemic to coerce people into following them
Peer pressure
Which cult did the phrase "done drink the kool aid" come from
Jonestown
This media manipulation strategy involves the deliberate spreading of false information or rumors to deceive or mislead the public.
Disinformation
This controversial figure, known as "Mother God" by her followers, led the Love Has Won cult, which gained notoriety for its manipulation tactics and exploitation of members.
Amy Carlson, the leader of the Love Has Won
A cult leader will have no tolerance for...
Criticism, questions, or doubts
Which tactic causes an increase in recruitment?
Guilt tripoing, playing the victim, peer pressure
This cult believed that castration would make platonic relationships easier
Heaven's Gate Cult
This media manipulation strategy involves the use of carefully crafted language or rhetoric to shape public perception and influence attitudes towards a particular topic or individual.
Propaganda
This influential political figure employed manipulation tactics such as censorship, propaganda, and purges to maintain control over the Soviet Union for over three decades, earning the nickname "The Man of Steel."
Joseph Stalin
A cult will often rely on what base ideology to boost their message?
Religion
Which tactic can be seemingly positive in the beginning?
Flattery/love bombing
This manipulation tactic employed by the Soviet Union during the 1930s involved doctoring photographs and altering historical records to erase or rewrite history and eliminate political rivals, most notably during Stalin's purges.
Historical revisionism or rewriting history
This term refers to the practice of selectively presenting information or statistics in a way that supports a particular agenda while ignoring or downplaying opposing viewpoints
Cherry-picking or selective presentation
Known for his charisma and manipulative tactics, this historical figure rose to power in Germany during the 1930s, utilizing propaganda and fear to consolidate his authority, ultimately leading to one of the darkest chapters in human history.
Adolf Hitler
A cult leader will convince their members that they are the main source of _____?
Information/validation/guidance
Which tactic causes a decrease in self-esteem?
Shaming/bullying
This famous family killed 2 famous movie stars in hopes of starting a race war.
The Manson Family
This media manipulation strategy involves the repetition of specific messages, slogans, or talking points across multiple media platforms to reinforce a particular narrative and shape public opinion.
Messaging or Repetition
This character from the TV series "Scandal" is a skilled manipulator and fixer who uses her influence to control political outcomes and protect her clients.
Olivia Pope
Many cult leaders prey on people who are...
Young/paranoid/abandoned/vulnerable
Name one of the signs of gaslighting
Over apologizing, feigning confusion, lying, diversion
This cult came to an end that resulted in a 55 day stand off, leaving 77 people dead
Waco/Branch of Davidian/David Koresh
This media manipulation strategy involves the creation of fake social media accounts or online personas to spread propaganda, manipulate public opinion, or discredit opposing viewpoints.
Astroturfing
This cunning and manipulative character from "Game of Thrones" is known for his intricate schemes and ability to play all sides to further his own ambitions, earning him the nickname "Littlefinger."
Petyr Baelish