The Hidden Scars From Cult Influence And How To Be Your Own Compass

In our lives, we often face complicated situations, and the growth of cults during the pandemic has been particularly striking. During these uncertain times, fear has led many people to follow rules without much thought, sometimes even criticizing those who, feeling confident in their own decisions and knowledge, have decided to go their own way.

This situation has revealed a big problem: people are losing their ability to make choices for themselves because of the pressure to fit in with the group. With the world facing so many challenges, cults have become more appealing because they seem to offer a sense of safety in the middle of all the chaos. The pandemic has made this even worse, showing us how fear can make people give up their freedom, follow the crowd, and turn against those who disagree.

This isn't the first time fear has pushed people toward harmful beliefs. Today, we see this happening in all sorts of groups, from spiritual gatherings to fitness clubs, where they promise safety but at the cost of personal freedom.

The Allure of Cults
Cults have a knack for tapping into our basic human needs for belonging, purpose, and a sense of understanding in a chaotic world. They present themselves as safe havens, promising protection and a sense of community in times that feel out of control. However, this promised safety is often not real. It's built on creating a fear that life outside the group is too dangerous to face alone. By playing on our deepest fears and desires, cults create a strong bond of dependency. This makes members think they need the cult to survive, trapping them in a situation that's hard to escape from. This illusion of security and belonging, while appealing, actually places individuals in a web of control and fear, making it challenging for them to leave.

Cults in the Digital Age
Cults aren't just hidden away anymore; they're all over the internet, easy to find with a simple click. They often have leaders who are very convincing and make it seem like they know everything, which can make it hard for people to ask questions or disagree. With the help of social media, these cults can spread their ideas more easily and quietly.

Social media can trap us in "echo chambers," where we only hear the same ideas over and over, cutting us off from different opinions. This makes us less likely to think for ourselves and feel like everyone agrees, even if they don't. Recognizing the signs of cults is crucial to maintain our autonomy.

Recognizing the Signs
Here are some key indicators:

• Charismatic Leaders: They appear infallible to their followers and claim to have all the answers.
• No Room for Questions: Questioning the group's beliefs or leaders is discouraged or punished.
• Us vs. Them Mentality: Members are taught to view outsiders negatively, reinforcing group cohesion at the expense of external relationships.
• Pressure to Commit: Members may be pressured to attend more events, donate money, or dedicate increasing amounts of time to the group.
• Echo Chambers: Social media algorithms can create environments where only similar views are expressed, limiting exposure to different perspectives.
• Isolation: Efforts may be made to distance members from family, friends, or anyone likely to question the group's beliefs.
• Promises of Perfection: Offering simple answers to life's complex problems, suggesting that the group can solve all personal issues without effort on the member's part.

The Psychological Impact of Leaving a Cult
The psychological impact of being in a cult can be profound. A friend of mine left their religious cult many years ago, and the leaving highlighted the deceptive nature of these groups, which cut members off from the outside world and claimed to offer enlightenment. Leaving the cult revealed that the promised empowerment was manipulation, emphasizing control over freedom. This realization underscores the long-term psychological challenges faced by those who escape, including rebuilding trust in oneself and others.

Breaking Free and Finding Empowerment
Breaking free from a cult and reclaiming your identity is a significant step toward empowerment. This journey involves listening to your inner voice, trusting your instincts, and seeking perspectives outside the cult. While challenging, this process leads to healing and the restoration of personal power.

This article offers hope to those entangled in cults, emphasizing the importance of questioning authority and trusting in our inner wisdom. The journey toward self-empowerment, while difficult, reaffirms our capacity for resilience and self-determination. Let this serve as a reminder that the strength to break free and embrace your true self is inherent within each of us, ready to be awakened.

© 2024 Shamala Tan