Week 12, Post 2

    Religion is a large part of society today, as it guides many people's lifestyles and political beliefs. Religion can be deceptive, especially when it comes to cults. Cults are extremist or false religions or religious sects. Many cult members live unconventionally and are led by an authoritarian or charismatic leader. 67% of people who joined a cult did so because they felt life dissatisfaction. Also, these people are generally not gullible or unintelligent, cults generally take advantage of people's insecurities and problems to recruit them. For example, they might give someone love or attention when the person wants it which pulls them in and gets them involved.

    Cults are the embodiment of deception in religion. Exploiting people's mental state and tricking them into joining an organization that is actually a cult. Deception like this, preying off people's weaknesses is dangerous in our society today because reaching people is easier than ever via the internet. With mental health at an all-time low during the coronavirus pandemic, people were even more susceptible to the deception of cults. Deception through religion is not as large a problem in society today, but is still very real and widespread. Qanon is a major example of a cult that has a very real presence in America today.