Interesting thread on the mechanics of cult ideologies, applicable to some "memeplexes" that seem to be becoming fit predators on the cultural landscape organically. I especially like this point: the "public apology" has become something more like the stance of a prisoner of warhttps://twitter.com/hadrianbelove/status/1271836421968457730 …
-
the “fit predator” memeplex aspect is interesting. It was implied by Lifton that these structures were planned strategies by autocratic types, but now we see people spontaneously adopting them. Perhaps cult “leadership” was never truly leading, as much as surfing.
Evolutionary processes often yield stuff that looks similar to intentional systems — culture is "trying" billions of little experiments simultaneously, and interactions that yield power shifts under new social circumstances wind up becoming increasingly refined
-
-
To my mind, the big question is "why are mechanisms eerily similar to the same ones that make cults work becoming so dominant in the broader culture?" It's really a question about why this is happening *now,* or what about the environment has changed.
-
Lifton thought the explosion was related to fear of death & fear of social change (ironically). What I saw most consistent in cult followers was a deep need for meaning in their lives; as trad structures collapse, we seek structures and double down to avoid moral confusion.
- 1 more reply
New conversation -
-
-
A.I. does totalistic mind control! Dope.
Thanks. Twitter will use this to make your timeline better. UndoUndo
-
Loading seems to be taking a while.
Twitter may be over capacity or experiencing a momentary hiccup. Try again or visit Twitter Status for more information.