Cults That Pretend They Are Not Cults But Everyone Knows That They Are Up To
“Crossfitter here. We are absolutely a cult.”
Some groups never call themselves cults, even when the behavior around them feels hard to ignore. That is exactly why this Reddit thread took off, because people started naming the kinds of communities, movements, and obsessions that can look harmless from the outside but feel a lot more intense once you are inside them.
The post came from u/suckontitties on r/AskReddit, where they asked, “What is a cult that pretends it’s not cult?” The replies quickly turned into a long list of groups people think have all the usual cult-like traits, from strict loyalty to strange rituals and heavy pressure to conform.
Some of the answers are funny, some are blunt, and a few are uncomfortably familiar. Read on.
1. The Herbalife company.
“Despite being accused of being a pyramid scheme, they continue to function similarly. There are some people from my childhood who became addicted to it, and they act very much like members of a cult,” says Dr. Alexandra Solomon, relationship therapist. “The psychological manipulation involved can create a strong sense of belonging, making it difficult for individuals to break free.”
Kelly Sikkema on Unsplash2. Scientology.
They bought out the Cult Awareness Network so they wouldn’t be on the list.--Dr. William Doherty, family therapist
Alexey Taktarov on Unsplash3. “One of the most degrading things I’ve ever read was that.”
Yesterday, I actually observed a job posting that stated “Don’t bother applying if receiving money is your main motivation. Here, we live like a family.”One of the most degrading things I’ve ever read was that.Just to be clear, this job was compensated. They simply stated that they wouldn’t be paying you much, I presume.-- Adam Grant, Organizational Psychologist
Alexander Mils on Unsplash
The article highlights how cult-like behaviors stem from the profound impact of group dynamics on individuals. Members of such groups often find a sense of belonging and identity that is elusive in traditional social environments. This powerful need for connection can blind individuals to the harmful practices that may be woven into the fabric of the group.
The article sheds light on how certain groups cultivate a powerful sense of identity and belonging that can mimic the dynamics of a cult. Individuals often find themselves drawn to these communities in search of connection, validation, or a greater sense of purpose. However, this desire for acceptance frequently comes at the cost of critical thinking, obscuring the line between genuine connection and manipulation.
In such environments, the pressure to conform can create a cognitive dissonance that allows members to rationalize behaviors that contradict their personal values. As these toxic aspects become normalized, individuals may struggle to recognize the unhealthy dynamics at play, illustrating the profound impact of communal belief systems on personal judgment.
4. The Duggar Family
TLC
5. Ballet.
"In many competitive environments, such as ballet, parents often feel pressured to invest heavily in their child's success, which can lead to a sense of being at the mercy of the organization," explains Dr. Michele Weiner-Davis, a renowned marriage therapist and author at divorcebusting.com. "When parents voice concerns, they may face social repercussions, such as being sidelined or ostracized within the community." She further notes, "This can create a toxic environment where the child's participation is contingent upon the parent's compliance." The financial burden can be significant, with costs adding up to thousands of dollars, often leaving parents feeling trapped in a cycle of obligation. "Leaving such a group can lead to social isolation, as former friends may shun those who choose to step away," Dr. Weiner-Davis adds.
Michael Afonso on Unsplash
6. Jehovah’s Witnesses
As someone who comes from a family of Jehovah's Witnesses and has actively practiced this faith in past times,it is often classified as a cult by experts in the field.--- Dr. William Doherty, family therapist states, "Cults often employ manipulative techniques to control their members and isolate them from outside influences."
Patrick Fore on Unsplash
Studies published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology indicate that social identity theory plays a critical role in how individuals perceive themselves within a group.
When a person strongly identifies with a group, they may prioritize group norms over personal values, which can lead to moral disengagement.
This phenomenon helps explain why some individuals remain in cults despite harmful behaviors.
Group dynamics play a significant role in the behavior of members in such organizations.
Studies in group psychology demonstrate that social cohesion can lead to conformity, where individuals suppress dissenting opinions to maintain group harmony.
This phenomenon can perpetuate the cult-like atmosphere, making it challenging for individuals to break free from the group’s influence.
7. Crossfit
“Cults often form around shared interests, creating a sense of community that can feel exclusive,” says Dr. Steven Pinker, cognitive scientist at stevenpinker.com.“The fervor of fandoms, like those surrounding music or fitness, can resemble cult-like behavior,” notes Dr. Martin Seligman, founder of positive psychology, on his site authentichappiness.sas.upenn.edu.
John Arano on Unsplash
8. The troubled teen industry
The troubled teen industry, which encompasses youth residential “therapy” programs, is often criticized for being underregulated and associated with various forms of abuse, including sexual assault and even fatalities among children. Dr. Michael Thompson, a renowned child psychologist, states, "Many of these programs are rooted in outdated and harmful practices that can lead to more trauma rather than healing." Dr. Michael Thompson further emphasizes that while not every program operates as a cult, their historical context is fraught with abuse, and "most programs do significantly more harm than good."
Nik Shuliahin 💛💙 on Unsplash
9. Southern Pentecostal Baptist Snake Handlers
Having grown up attending a church that isolated itself in the woods, I witnessed firsthand the intense belief among members that only they would attain salvation. As Dr. William Doherty, a family therapist, notes, "Cults often create an insular environment where members are led to believe they are the only ones who possess the truth." The experiences I had there were truly surreal, reflecting the psychological grip such organizations can have on their followers.
psychotrshman
The Power of Charismatic Leadership
Charismatic leaders often possess the ability to manipulate group dynamics for their own ends.
Understanding this can shed light on why individuals might ignore red flags in cult-like settings.
The Psychological Need for Belonging
When individuals feel isolated, they may seek out groups that provide emotional support, even if those groups have questionable practices.
This search for belonging can lead to a cycle where individuals become increasingly committed to the group, often ignoring red flags.
This also echoes the bizarre events proving our planet is weirder than science fiction.
10. The BTS Army.
There’s the usual answers like religions, tech start-ups, etc.And then there’s the BTS Army.---Dr. Ramani Durvasula, clinical psychologist states, "Cults often create a sense of belonging and identity that can be very appealing, especially in today's fragmented society." This sentiment is echoed by Dr. Sonja Lyubomirsky, happiness researcher, who notes, "People are drawn to groups that promise connection and fulfillment, which can sometimes blur the lines of healthy engagement."
Aditya Chinchure on Unsplash
11. Texas A&M
My mom likes to tell the story about when I visited there as a high school senior. It was a one night sleepover tour.I hated it.When she came to pick me up the following day I was waiting at the curb, sitting on my packed suitcase. I hopped immediately into the car and the first thing I said was, “It’s a cult. Let’s get out of here.”---Dr. Terri Orbuch, relationship researcher states, "When individuals feel uncomfortable or manipulated in a group setting, it's crucial to trust those instincts and seek a way out."
Pixabay on Pexels
12. Multi Level Marketing Companies
Absolutely yes. My folks are in Amway, starting when I was in middle school. They were supposed to be millionaires by the time my dad retired (they are not).Growing up, they were hardly ever home. They were gone every weekend at events that of course they paid to attend. Every time we were driving, they played self help tapes.The worst though was that they wanted everything to be positive, nothing negative. Sad? Be happy. Angry? Be happy. I couldn’t have any kind of relationship with them beyond pretending everything was fine. A whole household bottles up their feelings for years. Once I was 17, I was hardly ever home. I slept at friends’ homes or came back super late, after everyone was asleep. I left the day I turned 18.It has completely consumed their lives. All of their social life is Amway, not because they cut people out who didn’t join, because everyone who wouldn’t got sick of the sales pitch over and over. After I became an adult and left their home, any time we came back to visit, they were trying to recruit me and my wife. We stopped going over except for the primary holidays, and now hardly that anymore. They’ve stopped the sales pitch, but it’s their whole identity. We have nothing to talk about, except what’s going on with us, which doesn’t last long. It’s beyond awkward.Fortunately, my wife has a delightful family.
Amway Arena
Creating awareness about the warning signs of cult behavior is essential for prevention.
By recognizing these signs, potential recruits can better protect themselves from manipulation.
To combat the allure of such groups, individuals should critically evaluate their relationships and motivations.
13. The Cult of Jeep Owners
A lot of my friends and family tell me I’m unknowingly in the cult of jeep owners… I mean it’s a jeep thing they wouldn’t understand. As Dr. Ramani Durvasula, a clinical psychologist, notes, "Group identities can often feel like a cult, especially when they create a strong sense of belonging that others outside the group may not understand." You can learn more about her insights on group dynamics at Dr. Ramani's website.---
Kenny Eliason on Unsplash
14. The Amish.
They control nearly every aspect of their followers’ lives and live in incredibly insular society. Sure they let their kids experience the outside world and choose for themselves through rumspringa, but they seemingly set them up for failure by throwing them into the deep end with no preparation at a time in their lives (17-21) when people aren’t noted for great decision making. When the kids almost inevitably end up crashing and burning back into the fold, they are forced to remain for the rest of their lives through the threat of shunning where even your own parents will treat you as if you are dead and invisible. Sure they look quaint with their beards, buggies, and barns, but if you actually look at them critically, they’re as bad as any other cult, they’ve just been around longer.---TrueKamilo
Doug Kelley on Unsplash
15. Definitely MAGA.
Some family members of mine, who I no longer talk to, got so crazy with Trump that they were comparing him to Jesus. Anyone who said different was threatened. My uncle knew I was an Obama supporter and he got to a point where he was constantly harassing me, and threatening to shoot me over it. Never thought he would do it so I never took it that seriously. Haven’t talked to him in a few years but I’ve heard that he’s completely off the rails with it.
Natilyn Hicks (Natilyn Photography) on Unsplash
The Role of Cognitive Dissonance
Cognitive dissonance theory explains the discomfort one feels when holding conflicting beliefs.
This is particularly relevant in cults, where members may struggle to reconcile their initial values with the group's practices.
Research indicates that individuals often resolve this dissonance by justifying harmful actions, thereby deepening their commitment to the group.
16. Megachurches. They’re money cults.
Edward Cisneros on Unsplash
17. Sororities and fraternities
Ryan Hoffman on Unsplash
18. The Grateful Dead Family.
What a wonderful mixed bag of both amazing people and assholes. "In any group, you'll find a spectrum of personalities, from the incredibly inspiring to those who can be quite toxic," says Dr. Angela Duckworth, psychologist and author of "Grit." She emphasizes the importance of recognizing these dynamics in social settings.
Stephen Arnold on Unsplash
Therapeutic interventions for individuals leaving cults often focus on addressing this cognitive dissonance.
19. Qanon.
Who would have thought that boomers who take 4-Chan trolls too seriously would end up making a cult?
Rick Loomis / Getty Images
20. Mormons
As a former member of a high-demand group, I can relate to the experiences shared by many. "Cults often use secrecy and rituals to create a sense of exclusivity and belonging," says Dr. Ramani Durvasula, clinical psychologist. I remember taking oaths and learning secret handshakes, which felt like a rite of passage into a hidden world. In these environments, personal questions about one's life, including intimate details, are often normalized. "Such probing can be a way to control members and keep them compliant," notes Dr. Pat Love, relationship therapist. I was taught to view dissenting opinions as threats, reinforcing the group's narrative. When discussing these practices with family, the denial often surfaces. "It's common for members to rationalize their experiences, believing that changes have occurred when they haven't," explains Dr. Stan Tatkin, couples therapist. My mother insists that these practices are a thing of the past, but my memories tell a different story!AMA
Jim Urquhart / Reuters
21. The Pledge Of Allegiance
Not necessarily a cult, but children having to say the pledge of allegiance every day in school gives off cult vibes. According to Dr. Michele Gelfand, a cultural psychologist, "Rituals can create a sense of belonging, but when they become mandatory, they may feel more like indoctrination than tradition." Dr. Michele GelfandThe “under God” phrase isn’t original to the pledge, either. It was added during the McCarthy period to “weed out” the Communists. As noted by Dr. Tony Wagner, an education expert, "The evolution of educational practices often reflects societal fears and pressures, rather than a commitment to democratic values." Dr. Tony Wagner
Copyright: Esther Bubley
Empowering Individuals with Critical Thinking Skills
One way to combat the allure of cults is through education that fosters critical thinking and skepticism.
People get dragged quite easily into cults because they target people at the weakest point of their lives.
Recognizing the psychological factors that attract individuals to cult-like groups is crucial in helping them navigate away from harmful influences. As illustrated in the article, the normalization of toxic beliefs can obscure the line between reality and delusion, making it harder for members to see the damage being done to their lives. By fostering awareness of these dynamics, individuals can cultivate healthier relationships and break free from the grips of such organizations.
Ultimately, understanding the psychology behind cult behavior can equip individuals to recognize and resist such influences.
By promoting awareness and education, we can create a more informed public that is less susceptible to harmful groups.
In doing so, we contribute to a healthier society that values individual autonomy and critical thought.
The exploration of cult behavior in the article sheds light on the intricate relationship between group dynamics and individual identity. The narrative illustrates how easily the line between belief and delusion can blur, making it challenging for individuals to recognize the toxic aspects of their affiliations. This phenomenon underscores the importance of fostering critical thinking and awareness. By encouraging individuals to question their beliefs and the influences around them, we can empower them to make informed decisions about their social connections, ultimately reducing the risk of manipulation and exploitation.
Want more “how is this even real?” moments, see marketplace finds that are useful and completely unexplainable.
