Name: The sneaky language tricks cults use to influence you
Uploaded: 2026-03-02T15:58:05Z
Duration: 5 min 54 s
Description: In the age of social media and wellness trends, the comments section is as good as a cult compound, says linguist and cultural commentator Amanda Montell. Using Taylor Swift's throng of devoted Swifties as her guide, she exposes three sneaky language tactics that cults use to influence us (for better or for worse), revealing why none of us are as cult-proof as we'd like to think.

Amanda Montell: The sneaky language tricks cults use to influence you

The sneaky language tricks cults use to influence you

In the age of social media and wellness trends, the comments section is as good as a cult compound, says linguist and cultural commentator Amanda Montell. Using Taylor Swift's throng of devoted Swifties as her guide, she exposes three sneaky language tactics that cults use to influence us (for better or for worse), revealing why none of us are as cult-proof as we'd like to think.

No one is immune to the subtle pull of cult-like language, from the devotion at a Taylor Swift concert to viral phrases in online communities. Loaded buzzwords, thought-terminating clichés, and divisive labels seep into daily conversation, shaping beliefs without notice. Cognitive biases make these tactics even more effective, especially in our hyperconnected world. Distinguishing true community from manipulation requires attention to how words are used around us.

Everyday Language Primes Us All For Cultish Influence

Even the most devoted Swifties mirror cult-like devotion, crafting rituals and sharing coded language at stadium concerts. Language tricks once reserved for compounds and sects now shape online communities and wellness trends, blurring awe and indoctrination. Quick phrases, us-versus-them labels, and loaded buzzwords quietly bypass critical thought, taking advantage of our brain’s old decision-making shortcuts. Recognizing these tactics helps protect autonomy in a world where comment sections can rival cult compounds.

Everyday Language Holds the Keys to Modern Cult Influence

No one is immune to cult-like thinking, especially in the era of online fandoms and viral trends. Even a Taylor Swift concert, with its friendship bracelets and sacred numbers, mirrors rituals seen in high-control groups. The real power lies in the language used, from catchy slogans to tribal labels, that can subtly shape beliefs and behavior. Recognizing these linguistic tactics helps people stay open-minded and connected without losing their autonomy.