ekult

ekult, also known as electronic cult, refers to a phenomenon where individuals form communities and engage in practices and beliefs that bear similarities to traditional cults, but are centered around digital or online environments. These groups often coalesce around charismatic online leaders, specific ideologies, or shared interests amplified through social media and other digital platforms.

The defining characteristics of ekult can include a strong sense of in-group identity, an emphasis on devotion to the leader or ideology, and a potential for isolation from external viewpoints. Communication and community building primarily occur through online forums, chat rooms, and social networking sites. Members may invest significant time and emotional energy into the group's activities and teachings, sometimes to the detriment of their offline relationships and responsibilities.

The "cult-like" aspects can manifest in various ways, such as the unquestioning acceptance of the leader's pronouncements, the promotion of an "us vs. them" mentality, and the potential for exploitation of members. However, it is important to distinguish these online phenomena from established, offline cults, as the nature of online interaction and the ease of disengagement can present different dynamics. The term "ekult" is often used descriptively to highlight these emergent patterns of group behavior in the digital age.