Malaysians are no strangers to cults, with news of the Al-Arqam religious sect being banned all the rage in the 1990s.

In 2005, another cult emerged, this being the Sky Kingdom under the leadership of Ariffin Mohammed, to be declared deviant as well.

Even now, commuters sometimes encounter cult members working in pairs, trying to give them pamphlets while waiting at public transport stations.

Cults have rightfully garnered ill-repute in the imagination of the general public, and some cults in other countries engaging in violence against the authorities or committing terrorist acts are not helping this perception.

Mass suicides are also associated with cults, with the Jonestown Massacre being splashed across international news back in 1978.

Not all cults are religious in nature

Presently, there are still thousands of cults all over the world. However, contrary to popular belief, not all cults are of a religious nature.

Some are political and others are therapy-based and focused on “improving” yourself. In the same vein, not all new religions are cults.

So what are cults and why do people join them despite their bad reputation?

Generally, cults are a group or a movement which is committed to an often-extreme ideology, and is generally headed by a charismatic leader.

Cults share certain characteristics, including maximum commitment from members who are part of a rigid hierarchy. Newcomers are not allowed into the inner circle of the cult.

Cults always claim to have the solution to life’s problems and only through joining them can you change your life around.

The tell-tale sign that an organisation is actually a cult is in how much influence and control it has over the lives of its members.

Initially, the Latin word “cultus” referred to people who worshipped deities through rituals and temple worship. It eventually evolved to refer to those with excessive devotion to their faith.

Most religions initially started as cults but became integrated into society as time passed and their numbers grew.

This differs from the activities of modern cults, which tries to isolate its members from the rest of society.

Cults don’t offer solutions to their members or improve their lives; instead they seek to control them in every aspect of their life.

Cults target and recruit specific people

Total obedience to the cult’s leader is a must and these leaders are often controlling or narcissistic, seeking wealth, sexual pleasure and power.

The first few followers are personally recruited by the leader, then these followers go on to recruit more and so on.

Cults target specific people, often keeping an eye out for persons new to an area or who may be grieving or in distress.

Having no one to turn to and wanting a purpose in life makes people vulnerable to the overtures made by cultists offering a “safe” place in their community.

Recruiters are patient and will take the time to build a relationship with their target if necessary. Most cultists are in fact recruited by someone they consider close to them.

Humans are likely to follow the social behaviour of people around them, so when they enter a cult, they do whatever the cult does.

Others threaten the newcomer into doing what the cult wants, or promise them that they will be rewarded if they comply. Critical thinking is dissuaded and doubts shot down.

With everyone fervently believing what they’re hearing, you will be influenced into believing it yourself. The more you have invested in a cult, the harder it is to admit you have been lied to.

While cults don’t always end up in mass suicides, they do restrict your freedom and prevent you from growing psychologically and emotionally.

Most cultists eventually escape or are rescued

Cults have an adverse effect on children, who will be unable to have a normal childhood.

Most cultists eventually escape, either because they finally realise what is going on or because they are rescued by family and friends. Some cultists are freed when the cult itself collapses due to scandals or criminal investigation.

While religious freedom sometimes protects cults, they are definitely not immune from legal action if they commit any criminal act against their members or outsiders.

Ultimately, your family and friends must come first before you start believing in any cause whole-heartedly.

If someone tells you to put aside your loved ones and core values for the supposed “greater good”, then it is clear that they are not worth listening to, much less following.