A former member of a cult has shared insights into how these groups continue to flourish and how their leaders manage to attract numerous followers.
Most people’s interactions with cults are limited to portrayals in movies and television or occasional news stories, like the recent case involving Smallville star Allison Mack. However, some individuals have experienced these groups more directly.
Sociologist Dr. Janja Lalich, who once belonged to a cult, has addressed numerous questions about these organizations from curious users on social media.
In an interview with Wired, Dr. Lalich tackled a frequently asked question: Why do cult leaders manage to amass such large followings?
For outsiders, it can seem odd that groups with seemingly irrational beliefs have any members. Dr. Lalich explained the psychological factors that play a crucial role in this phenomenon.
In a YouTube video, she was asked, “Why do cult leaders always have to be weirdo freaks that abuse their members? When will we see a cult leader who’s really just a chill guy?”
Dr. Lalich clarified that there is no such thing as a ‘chill guy’ cult leader, as these leaders are not typically relaxed individuals.
She explained: “Cult leaders are not going to be chill, cult leaders are power-hungry individuals who are typically narcissists who believe that the world revolves around them.
“They aren’t necessarily weirdo freaks, some of them may look like a classy businessman.”
Dr. Lalich stressed that cult leaders often appear ordinary, and when recruiting followers, they may not seem as eccentric as they are later portrayed.
Using Marshall Applewhite, the leader of the Heaven’s Gate cult, as an example, she noted, “When Applewhite was recruiting followers he kind of had that professorial look or like your nice uncle.
“The cult leader might become a little demented, might start using too many drugs, might start looking really weird but they certainly don’t start out that way.”
Discussing Charles Manson, Dr. Lalich mentioned his use of drugs to lure followers, although this tactic is not common among cult leaders.
She observed that many cult leaders rely on charisma and power dynamics rather than drugs to attract followers.
She elaborated: “Charles could come along, and he had a very Svengali, charismatic appeal. He would look in your eyes and draw you in and also what is important with what Manson did is he would use drugs.
“Most cults do not use drugs, they are using basic social psychology.”