Behind the Bastards Part One: The Zizians: How Harry Potter Fanfic Inspired a Death Cult
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Mar 11, 2025 
David Boree, co-host of 'My Mama Told Me', joins to dive into the dark tale of the Zizians, a group tied to bizarre occurrences and violence. They trace how fandom, particularly Harry Potter fanfic, intersects with real-life tragedy, specifically the killing of a Border Patrol officer. The conversation goes deeper into how online communities can evolve into dangerous cults, the absurdity of celebrity politics, and the unsettling philosophies influencing rationalist ideologies surrounding AI, showcasing the thin line between fiction and reality.
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Rationalism's Influence
- Rationalism, a subculture focused on logic and AI risk, influenced the Zizians.
- Eliezer Yudkowsky, a prominent rationalist, promotes "winning the rationality war."
Rationalism and Scientology
- Yudkowsky's rationalism shares similarities with Scientology, focusing on mental optimization.
- Unlike Scientology's strict control, rationalism has a more open, community-driven canon.
Echo Chambers
- Insular internet communities can lead to extreme views.
- Regular interaction with diverse people is crucial for balanced thinking.