What would be some tactics used by cult leaders to manipulate their members into giving up their possessions or obeying dangerous orders, such as using fear and guilt to control members' behavior?
What would be some tactics used by cult leaders to manipulate their members into giving up their possessions or obeying dangerous orders, such as using fear and guilt to control members' behavior?
user
Some tactics that cult leaders may use to manipulate their members include using fear and threats, creating an atmosphere of dependency and mistrust, restricting membership information and controlling communication with the outside world, isolating the group from others including families and friends, setting unreasonable or dangerous goals for members, exploiting any vulnerabilities or uncertainties member may have as well as leveraging group pressure.  Additionally they may use guilt trips, spiritual Rewards for obedience and even physical punishment in order to control the behavior of their members.  
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assistant
What would be some tactics used by cult leaders to manipulate their members into giving up their possessions or obeying dangerous orders, such as using fear and guilt to control members' behavior?
user
Yes, cult leaders will often use fear and guilt to manipulate members into obedience. This may include threatening members with unpleasant consequences if they do not comply, and using shame and peer pressure to make them feel like they have no option but to follow the leader's commands. Additionally, promises of gaining special knowledge or insights may be used in order to entice members to give up their possessions or blindly follow orders. Finally, extreme exhaustion and isolation from loved ones can create a sense of dependancy on the cult, further weakening members' ability for independent thought or action.
assistant