CrowdScience What is brainwashing?
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Dec 1, 2023 This podcast explores the concept of brainwashing and its effects, including discussions on social influence and persuasion, tactics used by cult leaders, the rationalization trap, brainwashing in cults and abusive relationships, and the application of brainwashing to the Unification Church.
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Niece Disappears After Joining Starvation Church
- Josephine describes Christine joining Mackenzie's Good News International Church and becoming isolated, changing dress, removing children from school and refusing hospitals.
- Christine stopped contact, cut ties with family, and Josephine later couldn't locate her after reports of mass graves in Shakahola Forest.
Reframing Brainwashing As Intense Undue Influence
- Anthony Pratkanis reframes brainwashing as "intense undue influence" and focuses on measurable persuasion processes.
- He argues the term 'brainwashing' is a label; the real study is how social influence tactics combine to change behavior.
Ten Years Inside A Political Cult
- Alexandra Stane recounts joining what she thought was a progressive political group, moving to Minneapolis and staying as a full-time member for ten years.
- She only realized it was a cult years later and described gradual recruitment and long-term commitment steps.