Modern cults are replacing leaders with ‘life coaches’: ‘They mimic the capitalist logic of influencers’
Published By admin
It all starts in front of a screen, in the most innocent way possible. Accepting a friend request on Facebook. Following an influencer. Signing up for a study skills course about investing in cryptocurrencies. Entering a Roblox minigame. These are all gateways into a labyrinth of psychological manipulation that, in just a matter of months, can end with the innocent internet user trapped in a cult-like community, isolated and ruined. This mental and physical kidnapping occurs — and this is the worst part — voluntarily.
The internet has transformed how cults operate. Street preachers are now influencers or life coaches. Messianic leaders — who once prophesied the end of the world — have moved on to talking about cryptocurrencies, luxury cars, burpees and personal growth. The methods have changed, but the substance remains just as murky.
It all starts in front of a screen, in the most innocent way possible. Accepting a friend request on Facebook. Following an influencer. Signing up for a study skills course about investing in cryptocurrencies. Entering a Roblox minigame. These are all gateways into a labyrinth of psychological manipulation that, in just a matter of months, can end with the innocent internet user trapped in a cult-like community, isolated and ruined. This mental and physical kidnapping occurs — and this is the worst part — voluntarily.
The internet has transformed how cults operate. Street preachers are now influencers or life coaches. Messianic leaders — who once prophesied the end of the world — have moved on to talking about cryptocurrencies, luxury cars, burpees and personal growth. The methods have changed, but the substance remains just as murky.
Read more https://english.elpais.com/society/2026-04-11/modern-cults-are-replacing-leaders-with-life-coaches-they-mimic-the-capitalist-logic-of-influencers.html
Content retrieved from: https://english.elpais.com/society/2026-04-11/modern-cults-are-replacing-leaders-with-life-coaches-they-mimic-the-capitalist-logic-of-influencers.html.
