CultNEWS101 Articles: 7/21/2025

Social Contagion,  Elitism, Cult Recovery, Conference Video, Workbook

The Conversation: Misinformation lends itself to social contagion – here's how to recognize and combat it

" ... Research shows that both misinformation and disinformation spread faster and farther than truth online. This means that before people can muster the resources to debunk the false information that has seeped into their social networks, they may have already lost the race. Complex contagion may have taken hold, in a malicious way, and begun spreading falsehood throughout the network at a rapid pace.

People spread false information for various reasons, such as to advance their personal agenda or narrative, which can lead to echo chambers that filter out accurate information contrary to one's own views. Even when people do not intend to spread false information online, doing so tends to happen because of a lack of attention paid to accuracy or lower levels of digital media literacy.

Inoculation against social contagion

So how much can people do about this? One way to combat harmful contagion is to draw on an idea first used in the 1960s called pre-bunking. The idea is to train people to practice skills to spot and resist misinformation and disinformation on a smaller scale before they're exposed to the real thing.

The idea is akin to vaccines that build immunity through exposure to a weakened form of the disease-causing germ. The idea is for someone to be exposed to a limited amount of false information, say through the pre-bunking with Google quiz. They then learn to spot common manipulation tactics used in false information and learn how to resist their influence with evidence-based strategies to counter the falsehoods. This could also be done using a trained facilitator within classrooms, workplaces or other groups, including virtual communities.

Then, the idea is to gradually repeat the process with larger doses of false information and further counterarguments. By role-playing and practicing the counterarguments, this resistance skills training provides a sort of psychological inoculation against misinformation and disinformation, at least temporarily.

Importantly, this approach is intended for someone who has not yet been exposed to false information – hence, pre-bunking rather than debunking. If we want to engage with someone who firmly believes in their stance, particularly when it runs contrary to our own, behavioral scientists recommend leading with empathy and nonjudgmentally exchanging narratives.

Debunking is difficult work, however, and even strong debunking messages can result in the persistence of misinformation. You may not change the other person's mind, but you may be able to engage in a civil discussion and avoid pushing them further away from your position."

Damian Adkisson: Elitism

Cults are often known to use 'Elitism' to create a sense of exclusivity and superiority among their followers. Here are some ways that cults may weaponize Elitism:

1. Creating an "in-group" mentality: Cults often emphasize that their members are part of a select group, often using phrases like "we're the awakened ones" or "we're the chosen few."

2. Demonizing outsiders: Cults may use language that portrays outsiders as inferior, ignorant, or even evil, reinforcing the idea that their group is superior.

3. Emphasizing exclusivity: Phrases like "they don't understand us" or "we move differently" can create a sense of separation and exclusivity, making followers feel like they're part of a special group.

4. Fostering a sense of privilege: Cults may claim that their members have access to exclusive knowledge, spiritual truths, or experiences that others don't have.

5. Encouraging dependency: By creating this sense of superiority, cults can make followers dependent on the group for validation and self-worth.

This elitist mentality can lead to:

1. Us vs. them mentality: Followers may become wary of outsiders and outside influences and may view them as threats or simply inferior.

2. Loss of critical thinking: Followers may become less critical of the group's teachings and more likely to conform.

3. Increased loyalty: Followers may feel a strong sense of loyalty to the group and its leader.

By using elitist language and ideologies, cults can effectively manipulate their followers and maintain control. It's important to be aware of tactics such as these and approach groups that use them with caution.

ICSA International Conference 2024: Recovery and Self-Help: Finding a Way to Recovery and Growth After Abuse in a Cultic Setting, and the Role of a Workbook - Gillie Jenkinson (video)