How do you recognize the mechanisms of cults? What role does group psychology play? And how close are cults actually?
No one consciously joins a cult. People think they are joining a positive group where there is something to learn and where everyone has each other's best interests at heart. Until they become entangled in manipulation and start acting against their own interests.
Thanks to the internet, gurus are experiencing a golden age. With a smartphone or laptop, anyone can build a platform, share knowledge, and attract a large group of followers to earn money. Journalist and writer Ivo van Woerden spent five years investigating the Amsterdam guru Bentinho Massaro. Through spiritual videos about enlightenment, Massaro's reach grew to more than a million followers worldwide. The money poured in, until a revealing undercover investigation and the suicide of a follower changed everything. Three former followers broke their confidentiality agreement and spoke out about sexual, financial, and psychological abuse within the group.
During this evening, Van Woerden will talk about his book *In de greep van de goeroe* and engage in a conversation with cult psychologist Jessica Terwiel and expert by experience Anke Verbruggen , who followed Massaro for a while and was part of his community. The evening will be moderated by Nicole van Schaik.
