“How Online Conspiracy Groups Compare to Cults” — WIRED, 2021, 9:39 — https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_RqNe5IrpP8

Contributed by Noah Carter, Cabrini University

In an era of stark political polarization, COVID-related controversies, and growing distrust of authority figures, the nature of online conspiracy groups seems more and more equitable to cults. In this video, Dr. Janja Lalich, a sociologist and former member of a left-wing cult, explains that cults can manifest in any environment, whether that is religious, sexual, or as is most often the case today, political. Dr. Lalich provides a framework consisting of four tenants that all cults share, and she demonstrates how online conspiracy groups usually follow these tenants.

The first of these tenants is the “Transcendent Belief System,” which is the overarching ideology of the group that provides members with answers to their questions. Furthermore, answers are only valid if they suit the larger belief system. The second tenant is the “Systems of Control,” where members are controlled through various means which often result in a deconstruction of individuality. The third tenant involves the “Systems of Influence,” which are the forces that consistently and persistently draw people toward the ultimate message and goal of the cult or group. For online conspiracy groups, this is arguably the most potent means of control. Finally, Dr. Lalich details the fourth tenant, “The Charismatic Leader,” who is the one that brings all three previous tenants together. While said leader does not have to be inherently charismatic, followers grant the leader a type of charismatic authority which gives the charismatic leader the power to utilize all four of these tenants to exert control. Unlike cults, Dr. Lalich states that while online conspiracy groups often do not have one identifiable “leader,” there are usually multiple individuals who can take on leadership roles within the virtual community.

All in all, online conspiracy groups, when observed through Dr. Lalich’s four tenants, have a striking resemblance to the creation and sustainment of cults. Americans as a whole would be wise to exercise caution when following media that strikes toward the deep end of any political spectrum.

How else do conspiracy movements resemble cults? In our current era, which do you feel is more dangerous or alluring to people (online conspiracy groups or cults)?

From the video’s description: Dr. Janja Lalich, a sociologist who was formerly a part of a left-wing cult, talks about the cult-like nature of many online conspiracy theory groups. Dr. Lalich explains how people get caught up in groups like this, and what can be done to help those who have fallen further and further down the rabbit hole.