Article: If you are being asked to join an organization, don’t immediately say, “Yes!” Instead, spend a bit of time online researching the group’s background, history, and any recent mentions. Pay attention to how the group determines membership and whether or not they seem more inclusive or exclusive. Be wary of groups that are relatively unknown or ones that take pride in their secretive status. Local news sites, in particular, may provide solid leads on which cults are currently active in your area. Most cults are organized around the whims and leadership of 1 or 2 central leaders. These leaders are often charismatic and pride themselves on their ability to lure others into the cult. Watch out for leaders who set inflexible rules for the group and dispense severe punishments, too. A leader might also vocally claim to be the leader of the cult organization. Most people assume that a cult needs to be a large organization with many members, usually working under 1 leader. However, many cults are smaller in size and only grow slowly over time. This makes law enforcement authorities less likely to notice them. Cults thrive on uniformity and that extends to how cult members look on a daily basis. Beware if a group demands that all members wear particular clothes. They may also pressure members to cut or dye their hair, so that everyone looks the same. ’ Cult members and their leaders will often act as if they hold the truth and everyone else is less worthy. If you get the feeling that a group that you’re in likes to exclude others, then you may need to give yourself some distance. Some cults even pressure potential members to cut off all ties with close friends and family members. For instance, cult members might tell you that “only they really care about you.” This can be a way to drive you away from your close support network. Cults thrive on conformity and expect their members to think along the same lines. If you express your thoughts about a subject and are met with hostility or pressured to change your mind, then you might be dealing with a cult. For example, a cult leader might say, “You might have a future in our organization if you decide to believe…”
What is a summary of what this article is about?
Research the group online. Look for one person who is in complete control. Be wary of both small and large organizations. Look for similarities in dress and overall appearance. Stay away from groups that preach about the dangers of ‘outsiders. Push back against pressures to change your beliefs.