Why Are We Obsessed with Cults? 

Fact: not everyone at Konestown willingly 'drak the kool aid'. Some were forced, and some tried to escape into the forest, only to be hunted down and murdered. There is a documentary available that interviews some of the survivors.)

okay but those bookshelves

It's always interesting to see the cult I grew up in, the Unification Church, in videos like these. I was born into it and didn't leave until I was 22. It seemed so normal to me because it was all I ever knew. I had no mind frame to believe I was being brainwashed because all of my friends believed the same thing as me. Any questions that we had were explained away with "Sometimes we have to do things for God's Will, even if we don't immediately think they're right." Upon doing research and developing an opinion of my own, I was able to uncover so much hurt, lies, abuse, and deception that I and my parents' live(d) through. My mother is still a member of the Church and it causes a lot of strain in our relationship. Anyways, just a bit of info for anyone curious about the Moonies! AMA

How about an episode on the history of cannabis: How long has it been used, what has it been used for, and what are the real reasons that America is so hesitant to legalize it completely?

Your intelligence low-key intimidates me. Not only are you interested in learning just for learning but I assume you do a lot of the research. Such great content, as always.

I remember checklists from the mid-to-late '70's with titles like "You may be in a cult if..." In 1977 some friends and I took one such list, and after checking off many of the items, we realized the gray steel ship on which we and our US Navy shipmates served qualified as a cult. Thereafter we called ourselves the "Haze Gray Cult". Which we kept filled with sounds by our sister cult, the "Blue Oyster Cult".

I'd like to point out that often corporate culture is very cult like. No pun intended

I wanted to say it since the start of the season: you have the most gorgeous background of the whole internet 😍 These shelves are so awesome. Who built them ? Send then my compliments if you can.

An interesting correlation to this discussion would be on instances of mass-hysteria; ie the Salem Witch Trials, the Red Scare, Satantic Ritual Abuse, etc. It seems - as in the case of the cult-phenomenon - periods of mass-hysteria appear to run for a time, then are either discredited or simply pass on in public consciousness or interest.

nice Kimmy Schmidt references 👍🏼👍🏼

It wasn't all suicide - the children were murdered and some of its members too.

According to scholar Reza Aslan: cult+time+recognition=religion

The youtuber Telltale does a lot of videos about cults. His primary focus is on Jehovah's Witnesses, but he has talk about other cults/religions.

Ill edit this if you do mention ot, but have you heard of the BITE model to tell if something is a cult. Its a great model (imo) BITE -Behavior control -Information control -Thought control -Emotional control

The BITE model is specifically designed to define cults more specifically, standing for Behavior, Information, Thought, & Emotion control. It's much more than what you stated

I was born into a tiny but brutal cult led by my biological parents. Its been over 35 years and 16 years since I fled. I'm still surviving and for a few years I've studied cults and psychopathy to better understand what happened and why. I'm now in a therapeutic process of leaving that need for understanding behind and to concentrate on my wellbeing instead. But it's not that easy. Proven by the fact that I clicked on this video. Well made short introduction to the field, though!

I'm suprised you guys didn't research Steven Hassan (survivor of the Moony cult) and talked about the BITE model on how to define a cult. Good video as always!

I've been watching Origin of Everything videos for a while now and just realized I'm not subscribed, so now I *am* subscribed. Thanks for the great videos!

I just love this channel! Keep up the great work Danielle!

There is actually more than just the size of the group that differences between true religions and cults. For one, cults actively search for and recruit members, often preying upon those that are in a vulnerable mental/emotional state (easier to convince and brainwash), while religions typically don't engage in that sort of activity, allowing people the choice to convert and/or practice. Another is that most cults tend to have a larger goal of money/wealth, often forcing their memebers to turn over large sums of money and even their banking info as part of the indoctrination. Religions do collect money from people, but generally it's voluntary for the member and donations can be as large or small as can be afforded. Then of course there's the whole thing of not being able to leave a cult once you're in, while most religions encourage you to stay within them but won't forcefully hold you back if you make the choice to leave. Those are just a few main differences. Obviously things can vary between organizations and groups on both sides, but my focus here was on the main world religions (i.e. Christianity, Judaism, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, etc) vs what people typically think of when they think of a cult (namely something like Jonestown or similar).

Another awesome video! I really appreciate PBS and Danielle enlightening us on some interesting topics! One thing I did not hear is how one must allow him or herself to be 'influenced' in order to be led. Leaders with good or bad intentions are influencers. They have the ability to communicate ideas, vision, reason in ways to gain buy-in to whatever it is they are trying to achieve. They harness shared interest and beliefs into power in an attempt to control the environment or the outcome. People who abuse this 'gift' are dangerous to 'normal' humanity.

The layman's definition of cult vs religion is size, yes, but often even big organizations are still extremely cultish regardless. Being a religion is just a more widely accepted cult.

My new favorite RU-vid Channel! Super informative, straight forward, interesting subjects. I wish they taught things like this in the 1980s... I would never have dropped outta school ✊🏽

Shudder of delight @ "slipped into the lingua franca". Your eloquence is lovely. Do you write everything on your own, or is there a collaboration? Either way, I wish I could be so consistently well-spoken. Also, that blue hair is blissful.

McDonald's analogy Cult: Small/medium fries Religion: Large/Extra large fries I hope I'll be able to teach people the dangers of ideologies and indoctrination.

I like how you make your presentations. Very Academic. It's rare here on youtube.

I appreciate the nod to scientology. They are known for being very gratuitious with their lawsuits. The way in which you mention them was very clever. (hint hint wink wink) There is a lot of information available online concerning their activities, use of their members finances, as well as info on their "sea org." (hint hint wink wink) Did I mention the numerous lawsuits?

Nice props in the globe and behind. NVIXM is a modern example of a cult.

Perfect timing! I’ve been watching a series about cults on Hulu.

Loved the video! But I gotta know more about those super cool shelves

Thank you for such a fascinating video!

just love your videos and look forward to them each week

Love the colors in your hair! Not everyone can wear it well, but you def can!

I think that just like with criminals there is something fascinating about why people do the things they do. Whether it be for Good or Evil.

Last night my sis and I finished binging an A&E series about cults. We decided we watch those to know where be boundaries are between a cult and the very old school religious household that we were raised at.

Just found this channel and I'm obsessed already! Keep up the good work.

This is a great rundown of cults. It seems to me that some business leaders use techniques that are similar to cults to create a personality following. Anyway, appreciative of the effort in this video. Your're a great presenter.

I think PBS OOE is a cult because I can not stop watching your videos.

2:05 "the die-hard faithful" is kinda on the nose, innit?

Speaking of Audible, I picked a book about Jones town, (because I love the narrator) and it was interesting. The chose not to refer to it as a cult since 'a person never chooses to join a cult'. Their beginning sounded like a good idea that went horribly wrong. A Thousand Lives by Julia Scheeres, narrated Robin Miles 💓

Jonestown was not a mass suicide, it was a massacre.

Excellent video! It's odd how much I missed during the period of time I was fascinated with cults. I blame my age and the difficulty researching on the early internet, I mostly just found the well known stuff. :P

Hi! I'm a fan of your channel. I wonder if you could do a video about why and how does human skin becomes darker due to prolonged sun exposure and why our hair doesn't. 😁

Is a religion a cult? How much autonomy does an individual have? Can they leave at any time? Besides religious consequences (hellfire and damnation or exclusion from Heaven), are neophytes subject to mind manipulation such as what is sometimes called "Good Guy/Bad Guy" technique? One side induces fear, and the other allays fears by the "only way" to purge evil -i.e. their cult life. But what if a religion recognizes that a person must move on in order to further their spiritual growth and let them go? Perhaps a religion cannot stop their parishioner. A friend of mine who was German invited her mother to listen to our religion's current leader speak at a seminar. Her mother was impressed. She said, "I like him. Don't give him all your money." And my religion, Eckankar, doesn't require a person to stay, and there are those who leave after a long time. No evil consequences befall these who leave: no hellfire or damnation. They leave with the leader's blessing. And the participants' as well. In fact, in Eckankar requires 2 years of study before a new member can choose to stay. It is to help the new member decide if this religion is right for them. This freedom is given by Judaism as well.

The misuse of the term and labeling of cults is very dangerous because it plays on a basic aspect of all humanity, which is to group together with other people for various reasons. For example, why aren't fraternities considered cults? They employ all the same aspects of a 'cult' and people have died trying to join them. Why aren't churches considered cults? They usually have one charismatic leader who is considered at the least 'in a closer communion with the deity'. They employ memberships. They have an expectation of their members "voluntarily" giving them money (and sometimes churches do inquire about their member's earnings to make sure the "proper" amount was given). Sometimes their members are whipped into a spiritual frenzy that one could say resembles a possession. Isn't that a cult? Why not sports teams and their followings? The problem with the use of the word cult in America today is that not everyone who qualifies as a cult is labeled as a cult. Who decides who is a cult anyway? Basically, it's the people who consider themselves "normal" that do the labeling of who is a cult. That in itself is cult-think. How is mainstream America not one big cult? Think about this. Americans are highly led by their media. If the media labels some group a cult, most Americans generally will do no or very little research outside of their media to learn more about it. Americans will take part in group-think and follow the lead of their media. And time has proven that the American media is not neutral but often follows particular political, religious and moralistic ideologies which is often influenced by outside groups with agendas. Why hasn't the American media really highlighted the growing worldwide concerns about the real affects of humans on climate change? Could it be because American culture is largely based on the influence of corporations who profit from climate changing businesses? The previous episode discussed private prisons - which means even the prison system in America has become corporate. Maybe this is why American media doesn't highlight America's abusive prison system which incarcerates more of its citizens than even China. Why do American's accept these things? It's because when you look at what a cult really is, American society itself is mired in cult-ish activity from its school organizations to its media to its churches and religion all the way to its corporate based system of life. There have been organizations (particularly in Black communities) that were labeled as cults but actually did a lot of good in their communities. So then why did they deserve the negative overtones of being labeled a cult? Because a bigger cult - American society - labeled them so, and so that's what they were. That in itself is the definition of a cult. But nobody wants to admit they have been that easily influenced. It's easier to point at people who decided they want a different approach to life and label them a cult, which makes it easier to tell oneself they aren't that easily "influenced". But sadly, most people are. And have been. And that is what we've grown to call "normal" in America. Thinking outside the very controlled box is not popular here. America itself is a cult.

Fantastic and well researched, as always. I really love this show! I will point out that the Jonestown cult didn't drink juice; it was Fla-Vor-Aid, if I remember correctly. Also, and this is kinda inappropriate I guess, but your hair looks great! I'm loving the blue!

People want answers. People want to feel safe. People want to feel like they're part of a community. It's why people gravitate to cults... especially cults that have conspiracy theories as part of their doctrine... and to conspiracy theories that operate like cults... That fascination sure hasn't gone away in recent years. It's only grown.

Cults exist on a spectrum.

The BITE Model is a great tool to decide, if something is a cult. I find it so useful, because it focuses on the dangerous parts of cults and doesn't put any community that lives together in that box.

can you do an episode on the origins of traffic lights?

I watched a documentary about Jonestown and many of the survivors refuse to call it suicide but rather murder. The reason is because many people were held at gunpoint- they either willingly drank the poison or they got shot. Several others attempted to escape by running into the jungle and they were also shot. Others (like the 300+ children you mentioned) were not given a choice to drink the poison as they were forced to drink it. Ever since watching that documentary, I have stopped calling it "suicide." It was a mass murder which included suicide, a horrific attack on human life and abuse of power. I love your work, Danielle ❤ New subscriber!

6:05 alright, alright, alright

What’s the difference between a cult and religion Time.

Forget the Cults I’m obsessed with this channel!

Part of the appeal of a cult, in my opinion is how it takes the ideal of the close knit community and distorts into something that can be horrifying to discover. Ideally a community provides a space for understanding, friendship and connections but a cult takes those things (or at least offers them) and uses them as a means to achieve something else, sometimes by using their own members as tools.

Great video! How about a video on the origin of fan culture?

This channel is so underrated. It makes me sad

I think it’s important to note that cults aren’t necessarily “shady” - at least not on the surface. Mainstream religious organizations such as Mormons and Jehovah’s Witnesses are cults. Telltale Athiest has videos about cults and is an ex-Jehovah’s Witness. As far as determining which groups are cults, the best method is the BITE model. Each petter is a different type of control the group might exert over the members. Ticking some of the boxes is normal, ticking a lot of them is indicative of a cult.

How did school districts come into being?

This video made me understand so much

There are a few differences between cults vs. religions that weren't mentioned in this video. One of them is this: religions don't brainwash their members, but cults do brainwash their members. Cults require you to cut yourself off from society and only associate with members of the cult (sometimes recruiting new members is required too) and cults require constant reminders of what you are and aren't allowed to think. Religions don't do this, members of religions are allowed to think whatever they want and religious people can even have friends outside of their own religion. Cult members can't have friends outside of members of the cult they are a part of. Basically religions allow you freedom, whereas cults enslave their members. This is why it so difficult to leave a cult, but easy to leave a religion. Why didn't they mention these important differences? Oh yea, because mainstream media likes to keep things simple, instead of complicated. Any ideas? I will pray for you. Great video, keep up the good work. God bless! Have a nice day/night. ---------------------------------------------------- with luv from a nerdy Christian.

This a beautiful video, great job

To discuss suicide as in this instance as a crime using terms such as "commit suicide" further perpetuates the stigma that others people and makes people believe they are NOT susceptible to such behaviors. These people died by way of suicide through manipulative direction. Children were victims of homocide. Jonestown and other group think activities should be discussed more, especially in our current culture and climate. People are lonely, many connected online, heightened fears... recipe for charismatic leaders to lead people to their destruction.

You didn't mention that town in Wyoming that the sunnys (?) took over, the bagwan.... I can't remember, something like that

Great... Now compare to Scientology😳 Excellent episode👍

Startups can be cultish sometimes

Basically Jehovah's Witnesses.

Okay Mrs. Danielle, it's time I asked. What's your amulet made of?! I see it in literally every video you're in. I have come to the feels that it means something to you and that it's made of a stone of significance. Yo obvs don't have to reply, but #curiositycat.

Anthropologists have a more clear cut distinction between cults and religions. I grew up in a cult. The definition given here, while understandably focused around time could have been shortened and also more clear. It wouldn’t have taken that long. It’s ok though. I’m trying to remember exactly what my anthro professor said about it but it’s been years. I just recall it was maybe three sentences at most.

What? No mention of El Ronnie and his organization?

Danielle, What is your opinion of The Oneida Community?

Have y’all heard of SPAC nation in the uk?

I love you, I love this channel.

It should also be noted that most religions of today's world started out as a cult. When Christianity was starting to rise they thought that it was a cult as well. Side note: one of my favorite shows on Hulu before it was cancelled was The Path.

Im Guyanese ... and jonestown story still leave a sour taste in Guyanese mouths till now

8:40 "kidnapping with a cause" :p

Why did she show a picture of Christianity and say "Have 3 million members worldwide?" More like 1000x that.

5:27 And Hamilton Burr? I'm sorry I don't know what that said but HAMILTON and Burr! Oh wait nvm this dude hurt children...

Why didn’t you talk about the BITE model?

Why am I obsessed with cults? Because I was raised in one.

The difference between cults and religion/beliefs aren't just population. Their are charts on how cults arise and how big the negative impact they have for a society. Surprised you didn't bring them up. Plus most religions start as cults then usually calm down later on while still having examples of the cult behaviors.

Great video

Adam Curtis Century of the self. Is Origin of everything a cult? Captain Murphy - Duality is a cool album about mind control, cults.

3:14 You mean 3 billion? Great vid, I'm just pointing out small mistake there (spot an engineer)

I have the same perfume necklace that she is wearing!

well done video!

I've met a lot of cult members. i guess it boils down to intent and interpretation. When someone tries to con me or dominate me I consider them probable cultist. That's the sociological version. I don't think you mentioned the biggest assemblage of cults in America. There are devotees to various saints and concepts in the Roman Catholic Church who actually call themselves "The Cult of...". They usually consist of normal people who take on an extra religious burden that they believe is their calling in the RCC. Nothing screwball about that any more than anyone can get screwball over anything. My point is that people should always keep one eye open for agendas when they get involved with anything and things get seamy. That doesn't mean they always are.

u can figure out what a is a cult by using the bite model if there's information and thought control. i grew up in what would be called a cult bit it wasent really violent but there was a big level of information and thought control. i wasent hurt after i left but ive lost freinds and after i left i realized how much of my life was being controled and it pissed me off how much i put into it.

Semi old video, but if anyone sees this comment. If you have never heard of /TellTale/ He is a wonderful youtuber who talks about cilts mostly. How/why they are a cult and if its considered a cult. Including JWs, which he used to be a part of.

I think most people have a definition of cult that includes all other religions but their own. If a religion were objectively false, and its adhereants were devoting their lives, their time, their money, because they were indoctrinated to be true, we would universally agree it is a terrible thing that needs to be done away with. And yet, that's how most religions view all other religions. The trouble is, there's no consensus on what religion is actually true. So the larger religions team up against the smaller.

I have been followed and had two goons looking for me because I know way too much. It starts with scien and ends tology. They are scary people. They can easily make you disappear. I would say more, but I’m trying to avoid them.

Plot twist: Society is probably one of strongest cults there is.

My main question after studying cults for years is, in the U.S.A., why are infamous almost always virtually completely comprised of Euro-bloods/white people? Even regarding the sex cult that Alison Mack has been a part of. I have seen maybe one non-Euro-blood in the cult but even she is blurry in memory but I clearly remember seeing quite a few Euro-blood women. I'll throw scientology into my question too.

the B.I.T.E. model is a better way to assess cults and their harm to people.

I’m starting my own cult. Furries and food. Anyone is free to join.

The main way I make a difference between a cult and a religion is money. Regular churches want some of your money, but a cult wants all of it.

Because they are just that cult-pelling.

'Self-selecting group with a shared interest' sounds like 'making friends' to me (asocial 'autistic spectrumite' speaking; the importance of 'higher purpose in seclusion' is not lost on me)...or at **least cliques**.

I was listening to a skin care review today and she made like a bit too many references to cult behavior, and kool-aid

Victims of Jones Town were murdered