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Originally posted by number6
We often hear about the use of the Internet by cults for PR, recruiting, etc. But I'd like to look at another side. Prior to the Internet, the collapse of a major cult seemed to be a very gradual process (such as the Worldwide Church and Christian Science). But we've just seen two such groups—the International Church of Christ and the Geftakys "assembly"—go south within a year of each other, and very quickly.
(RMG's reply: I didn't know that the ICOC was going under. They're still active in NJ near me.)
My question is this: Could the Internet, and increased access to information in general, have been a factor in the downfalls of two very formidable groups?
(RMG's reply : the net allows you to do a lot of reconnaisance and test out what others have to say about their experiences. There are a lot of similarities between cults, their respective leaders and the ramifications of being part of a cult and leaving).
If so, are there likely to be more?
(RMG's reply: Information now gets out really quickly.Preventing people from joining in the first place is the best idea.)
I'd particularly like to hear responses from former members of these groups. Was your decision to leave influenced by things you found online? Also, many groups (e.g., Amway) now seem to be focusing their attentions on the former Third World, where Internet access is rare. Could they be catching on?