The Digital Frontier of Coercive Control

Cults no longer need secluded compounds to thrive—they’re recruiting through gaming platforms, social media feeds, and wellness communities. Disguised as self-improvement programs, these digital groups often revolve around charismatic leaders who promise transformation while gradually eroding personal autonomy and punishing dissent. Legal systems struggle to respond: countries like France have introduced laws targeting psychological subjugation, while others hesitate for fear of infringing on religious freedom. In this episode, we examine how coercive groups have adapted to the online age—and what it will take to recognize and resist modern forms of manipulation.https://www.economist.com/international/2026/01/08/social-media-are-helping-cults-to-recruit-and-control-members