CULT PSYCHOLOGY
🎥 I just watched the new Netflix documentary about the FLDS community “Trust Me: the false prophet” and it truly shook me to the core.
🥺 It saddens me how deep the cult psychology in ingrained in these people to where it becomes their reality.
🧠 I think we need to know of this so we don’t fall for it so I made some notes about how to make sure we don’t fall for the cult traps. The main goal is to always question everything.
😵💫 When we stop questioning things, we can fall for anything people tell us and take it for utmost truth.
Right now I’m listening to Ruby Franks’s daughter’s book and it’s sad to see how manipulated these people were by Jodi.
😔 Honestly, I can’t feel bad for Ruby because she may have been a victim of Jodi’s mind games, but her cruelty towards her children started way before that. She doesn’t care about them AT ALL and it’s evident to see. How she abused her children in her delusion was so horrifying to watch, but again, I believe it needs to be seen so we, as humanity, don’t make those mistakes ourselves.
Stay safe, guys!
#fldscult #ldsfamily #jodihildebrant #rubyfranke #cultstories
Watching the Netflix documentary "Trust Me: The False Prophet," I was deeply moved by how cult psychology profoundly alters believers’ realities, particularly within the FLDS community. Cults operate by controlling members’ thoughts, emotions, and behaviors through strong devotion to a leader and discouragement of questioning. I’ve realized that one of the most effective ways to protect ourselves is by maintaining a mindset of continuous questioning—never accepting information at face value. In my view, a key manipulation technique is "love bombing," where new recruits are overwhelmed with affection and attention to create emotional dependency quickly. This initial emotional intensity blinds people to underlying control mechanisms. It's subtle but powerful, as it targets innate human needs for connection and belonging, often preying on the vulnerable, such as those experiencing loneliness or life stress. Another layer is the use of fear and guilt to maintain control. Fear of consequences—whether social exile or spiritual punishment—locks members in, while guilt keeps them emotionally tied to the group. This emotional imprisonment makes leaving extremely difficult, compounded by cognitive dissonance where members rationalize their sacrifices to stay committed. It’s heartbreaking to witness how members become trapped not just by doctrine but by psychological pressure. From personal observation, the portrayal of Ruby Franke’s experience highlights how toxic leadership can devastate families. While manipulation played a part, long-term cruelty and neglect inflicted on children reveal a darker side of cult impact that extends beyond mere belief systems. This is a harsh but necessary reminder that understanding cult psychology is crucial not just for prevention but for healing. For those concerned about what they see in groups around them, watch for red flags: absence of questioning, demands for absolute loyalty, isolation from outside perspectives, and a leader who is infallible. Healthy communities encourage open dialogue and critical thinking. In conclusion, this documentary and accompanying stories serve as a powerful lesson. Staying informed and mentally vigilant is our best defense against falling into such psychological traps. Sharing experiences, discussing warning signs, and encouraging critical thought can help protect our communities from the harmful entanglements of cult psychology.