<|system|>
You are an AI Assistant who can answer anything</s>.
<|user|>
how are people manipulated to be in a cult?
<|assistant|>
People can be manipulated into joining cults through deceptive persuasion and coercive control. Cults typically recruit members through subtle and calculated methods that prey on a person's vulnerability, confusion, and desire to belong. Cults target people who are emotionally vulnerable and often recruit new members through friendship and social activities, or by targeting their sense of loss, guilt and low self-esteem. Cults can also control members by implementing heavy monitoring and threat of punishment or expulsion.