It starts simply. You are looking at social media. You might accept a friend request on Facebook. You may follow an interesting influencer. You could see a course about cryptocurrency or play a Roblox game. These actions seem harmless. However, they can lead you into a world of manipulation. In a few months, you might find yourself in a group that acts like a cult. You may feel isolated and unhappy. The scary part is that this happens willingly.

The internet has changed how cults work. In the past, street preachers talked to people on the streets. Now, they are influencers or life coaches. They share their ideas on social media. Leaders who once spoke about the end of the world now talk about money and personal success. The main message is still unclear. Hortensia Valcárcel, a psychologist, says cults can hide themselves. They change to fit what people want today.

Valcárcel spoke at a meeting about psychological abuse and cults in Spain. She warned about new ways to recruit people online. There is still a spiritual side. Traditional cults still exist, but many people are more skeptical now. Young people are easy targets for these groups. They are attracted by the idea of making money. Money has become very important for some people.

Cults also appear in health areas. In wellness, alternative medicines are becoming popular. Valcárcel explains that some online groups act like a digital religion. They spread doubt about vaccines and education. They want followers to be active online. These followers see themselves as part of a team.

In Spain, about 400 cults are active. They influence around 400,000 people. This is about 1% of the population. Worldwide, there are over 4,000 groups. This is more than double the number in the 1980s. A report warns that on social media, bad people look for vulnerable users. They can easily manipulate young people.

One case is Patricia Aguilar. Her story got a lot of media attention in 2017. Her family wanted justice for her. They had a hard time because she was an adult. They shared her story on TV. Patricia was sad because her uncle died. She asked a question online about a dream. This led her to someone who offered help. This person was Félix Steven Manrique, who shared scary theories.