Characteristics of Mind Control

The most insidious characteristic of mind control is the victim's belief in their own autonomy. Those subjected to mind control typically perceive their actions as being entirely their own, products of their free will and personal choice. They operate under the conviction that they are acting in accordance with their independent thoughts and beliefs, unaware that these have been molded by an external force.

Common Traits of Group Terrorists

Ideals and Purity

At first glance, terrorists often appear to be driven by a deep sense of idealism. They exhibit a propensity towards puritanical tendencies, fervently adhering to the principles they hold dear.

Concealed Struggles and Distrust

Even though they may seem to be doing well in society, in reality, they feel pain and difficulty living in society, or they harbor a sense of distrust towards it.

The Tunnel Analogy in Mind Control

The process of mind control can be likened to a journey through a long, narrow tunnel.

Isolation from the External World

In the context of mind control, the first step typically involves creating an environment of isolation. Individuals or small groups are cut off from the external world, and their interactions are limited to a select few. By reducing their exposure to outside information and alternative perspectives, manipulators can more easily shape their victims' reality.

Focused Vision: One Point Concentration

Like the journey through a tunnel, mind control forces an individual's vision to converge onto a single point. It narrows their perspective, aligning it with the ideology, rules, or beliefs that the manipulator wishes to instill. As they delve deeper into this narrowed reality, individuals gradually lose sight of the broader world outside, and their manipulated environment becomes their only truth.

Dominance of Small Group Rules and Values

Over time, the values and rules of the small, isolated group become the norm for those within it. The group's beliefs become the individual's beliefs, its priorities become their priorities, and its fears become their fears. The individual is subsumed into the collective, their identity and perspective shaped not by their own experiences and thoughts, but by the group's shared reality.

Dichotomous Thinking Traps of Closed Groups

The Peril of Pure Idealism

Idealism can be a powerful motivator, but in the hands of a manipulator, it can also become a tool for control. The same purity of belief that drives idealists can also make them susceptible to black-and-white, or dichotomous, thinking. Once convinced of the righteousness of their cause, they may struggle to see the complexity and nuance in opposing viewpoints, dividing the world neatly into categories of 'good' and 'evil.'

Dichotomous Thinking

This dichotomous thinking extends beyond the individual to permeate the group's collective psyche, creating an 'us versus them' mentality. Those who share the group's beliefs are hailed as allies and heroes, while those who do not are demonized as enemies and villains. This polarized perspective not only justifies the group's actions against perceived enemies, but also further isolates group members, reinforcing the belief that they can only trust and rely on each other.

Group Dynamics and the Fear of Betrayal

Mutual Surveillance: The Constant Fear of the Next Betrayer

Within such closed groups, fear of betrayal often becomes a central concern. Members become hyper-vigilant, constantly scrutinizing each other for signs of disloyalty or dissent. This state of perpetual surveillance can create an environment of fear and suspicion.

Self-Censorship: The Internal Pressure Against Betrayal

The fear of becoming the next 'traitor' also exerts a powerful internal pressure on group members, forcing them to suppress any doubts or disagreements they may have. This self-censorship not only silences dissent, but also reinforces the group's dominant ideology, as members repeatedly reaffirm their loyalty and commitment.

The Desire for Salvation

Preying on Secrets and Troubles

One of the essential principles of mind control hinges on the knowledge of secrets and troubles. Sharing one's worries and having them acknowledged by another can expose an individual's vulnerabilities. The act of confiding in another person - revealing what is usually hidden - establishes a unique relationship. It is driven by an unconscious desire for help, which inherently positions the confidant in a superior role.

The Power of Expectation and the Illusion of Resolution

The individual under control often expects their 'savior' to possess solutions to their problems. This expectation, in turn, strengthens their desire for salvation. The more the manipulated individual believes that the controller can provide relief, the stronger their trust and dependency grow.

Unequal Relationship Between the Controller and the Controlled

Thus, an unequal relationship exists between the one who controls and the one being controlled.