Name: How cults rewire the brain
Uploaded: 2009-06-17T01:00:00Z
Duration: 6 min 4 s
Description: Diane Benscoter spent five years as a "Moonie." She shares an insider's perspective on the mind of a cult member, and proposes a new way to think about today's most troubling conflicts and extremist movements.

Diane Benscoter spent five years as a "Moonie." She shares an insider's perspective on the mind of a cult member, and proposes a new way to think about today's most troubling conflicts and extremist movements.

Diane Benscoter: How cults rewire the brain

How cults rewire the brain

The transformation from a cult member to a deprogrammer highlights the intricate battle between ideology and individuality.

A former cult member's journey to understanding brain's susceptibility to extremist ideologies, offering hope in scientific research.

Understanding cult brainwashing: Young, idealistic minds can be coerced into extreme beliefs via 'viral memetic infections.'