A cult is a group of people who follow the same ideology.Many, but not all, cults can be dangerous.To begin with, it is best to stay away from cults.Don't respond to door-to-door surveys and be careful with the groups you join.You can keep in touch with friends and family if you are involved in cult.If you feel unsafe, police and law enforcement authorities can help.
Step 1: You can research the group online.
If you are asked to join an organization, it is a good idea to research the background and history of the group.If the group seems more inclusive or exclusive, pay attention to how they determine membership.Group that take pride in their secretive status should be wary.Local news sites can provide leads on which cults are active in your area.
Step 2: One person is in complete control.
Most cults are run by 1 or 2 central leaders.These leaders pride themselves on their ability to lure others into the cult.It's a good idea to watch out for leaders who set inflexible rules for the group.A leader may claim to be the leader of the cult organization.
Step 3: Both small and large organizations should be avoided.
Most people think that a cult needs to be large and work under a single leader.Many cults are small and grow slowly.Law enforcement authorities are less likely to notice them.
Step 4: Look for similarities between dress and appearance.
On a daily basis, cult members look the same.If a group requires members to wear certain clothes, be careful.They may try to make everyone look the same by cutting or dyeing their hair.
Step 5: Stay away from groups that preach about outsiders.
The leaders of the cult will often act as if they hold the truth and everyone else is not worthy.If you are part of a group that likes to exclude others, you may need to give yourself some distance.Potential cult members are pressured to cut ties with close friends and family.It is possible that cult members will tell you that only they care about you.
Step 6: Pressures to change your beliefs should be resisted.
The members of a cult are expected to think the same way.You might be dealing with a cult if you express your thoughts about a subject and are met with hostility or pressure to change your mind.A cult leader might say, "You might have a future in our organization if you decide to believe..."
Step 7: When responding to surveys, be careful.
Many cults will approach you on the street in order to ask you to complete a survey or give money or goods.They can also go door to door.If you choose to participate, be careful with what you give.If you are interested, ask for their contact information so that you can do some research before contacting them.
Step 8: Look for cults that are not threatening.
To avoid scaring potential new members away, many cults hide within large organizations or operate as a fairly common organization.If the group's expectations begin to change over time or if certain more radical members start to take control, the key is to watch.Some cults pose as volunteer organizations.They might wait a long time before revealing their true nature.
Step 9: If you are a target of love bombing, recognize.
This is when a cult is focused on persuading a particular person to join.They might try to get you to give in to their demands.Even if you don't know them, they might act like you are the center of the group.They might give you expensive gifts in order to show you the rewards you can get from their group.These gifts don't last very long after you've given in.
Step 10: Ask lots of questions.
If you have concerns about an organization, reach out to a leader or member.You can watch to see how your questions are treated.Questions are believed to undermine the authority of the cult's leader, as they are belittled or ignored in most cults.You can ask about the group's leadership structure and if they've ever considered following a voting or democratic system.
Step 11: Push back against the control.
Even the smallest aspects of a member's life are managed by cults.They might want to tell you what to eat or where to live.You may want to leave the group if you see these signs.Try to go against the rules to see how the group reacts.A cult leader may ask you to only dress in subdued colors, such as pastels, or to grow your hair out.
Step 12: Family and friends can provide emotional and mental support.
The vulnerable are often preyed upon by cults.They look for people who are going to college.They give the illusion of support and stability.Reach out to your family and friends when you are vulnerable.
Step 13: Drug abuse is something to watch for.
Some cults use hallucinogenic drugs to supposedly tap into a higher level of being or consciousness.Drug use may be limited to the leader of the cult.It is possible for a cult to lure in members with easy access to drugs.A cult member might say, "If you take this pill, you'll be able to relax and be a better member of the group."
Step 14: If you're being harassed by a cult, contact the police.
A cult might not take kindly to you rejecting their offers once they have set their eyes on you.It is best to reach out to the local law enforcement authorities if you feel like you are in danger.They can help you with your concerns.