Our digital universe is full of information, and misinformation, swirling about constantly, sampled in bits and bytes, most of it rarely gaining more than passing attention. How then does misinformation swirl up into a popular conspiracy theory? How do some conspiracy theories, such as Qanon, eventually gain a loyal cult-like following without physical contact between members or between leaders and followers? In this episode, The Purple Principle speaks with three noted cultic experts on these issues as well as the cult-like aspects of the recent Trump Presidency. Dr. Steven Hassan, author of the 2019 book The Cult of Trump, is uniquely positioned to discuss the Trump years and the differences between healthy and not-so-healthy group identification. He was recruited into the Unification Church from his college cafeteria at age 19. Prof. Doni Whitsett of the USC School of Social Work reminds us that cults formed decades ago, such as Scientology and the Unification Church, are still with us but not garnering much media attention. She further explains that, historically, cults arise when and wherever individuals have a longing for group identity. Rachel Bernstein, cultic therapist and host of the podcast IndoctriNation, observes that today’s online cults still occupy a physical space, but mainly within our brains. Join us for “Online Conspiracies & Virtual Cults” and reflect whether group dynamics have overwhelmed logic and conviction in your life, or that of a loved one. And consider the purple and principled advice our cultic experts convey: the important issue is not where groups fall on the political spectrum, left or right or center, but rather, whether the elements of real democracy are at work, such as consulting external information and questioning internal authority. Original Music by Ryan Adair Rooney Twitter: @purpleprincipl Facebook: @thepurpleprinciplepodcast Instagram: @thepurpleprinciplepodcast Our website: https://fluentknowledge.com/shows/the-purple-principle/online-conspiracies Subscribe to our newsletter: bit.ly/3wDbr4o Our guests Doni Whitsett, USC Dr. Steven Hassan's Freedom of Mind Resource Center @CultExpert @RBersteinLMFT Rachel Bernstein, MFT IndoctriNation Podcast Steven Hassan (2020). The Cult of Trump: A Leading Cult Expert Explains How the President Uses Mind Control. Simon & Schuster. Additional Resources Heaven's Gate. Encyclopedia Britannica. The Family International. Encyclopedia Britannica. Unification Church. Encyclopedia Britannica. Karen M. Douglas, Robbie M. Sutton, and Aleksandra Cichocka (2017). “The Psychology of Conspiracy Theories.” Current Directions in Psychological Science Vol. 26(6) 538–542. Evita March & Jordan Springer (2019). “Belief in conspiracy theories: The predictive role of schizotypy, Machiavellianism, and primary psychopathy.” PLOS One. Aleksandra Cichocka, Marta Marchlewska, Agnieszka Golec de Zavala (2016). “Does Self-Love or Self-Hate Predict Conspiracy Beliefs? Narcissism, Self-Esteem, and the Endorsement of Conspiracy Theories.” Social Psychology and Personality Science Vol. 7(2):157-166. Diana Tumminia (1998). “How Prophecy Never Fails: Interpretive Reason in a Flying-Saucer Group.” Sociology of Religion, Vol. 59(2), 157–170. Richard Ostling (2/22/82). “Witness Under Prosecution.” Time.