Derek Beres24 March 2022

Conspiracy Theories In New Age Cults - Derek Beres - #451

0Frameworks

10Insights

Insights & moments

The myth-busts, hot takes, explainers, and tools worth keeping.

Myth Buster· 2

Myth Buster02:30

Why 'Conspiracy Theory' Is No Longer Useful

The term 'conspiracy theory' has lost its meaning because it's now used for everything from legitimate skepticism to baseless rumors. This overuse makes it hard to distinguish real issues from misinformation.

The label 'conspiracy theory' is now applied so broadly that it's become nearly meaningless.
It's often used to dismiss valid questions while also covering up real wrongdoing.
The term has been memed and politicized to the point of losing credibility.

“Calling something a conspiracy theory seems to be quite problematic now.”
Chris · 02:30

#conspiracy-theories#media#language

Myth Buster40:00

Terrain Theory Is Not a Valid Alternative to Germ Theory

Some wellness influencers claim that 'terrain theory' — the idea that germs only harm you if your body is weak — disproves germ theory. This is false and dangerous, especially during a pandemic.

Terrain theory has been debunked by modern science.
It ignores the role of pathogens and promotes anti-vaccine views.
This belief is emotionally appealing but scientifically invalid.

“Beauchamp's works on terrain theory has been disproven, Pasteur went out, that's what modern medicine is based on.”
Derek Beres · 40:30

#germ-theory#terrain-theory#pseudoscience

Hot Take· 1

Hot Take64:30

Can There Be an Ethical Cult?

Derek Beres argues that true ethical cults are nearly impossible because power imbalances inevitably emerge as groups grow. Even well-intentioned leaders create hierarchies.

Small, leaderless groups can be meaningful without becoming cults.
Scaling up introduces power dynamics that corrupt ethics.
Charismatic leaders, even in wellness, tend to attract loyal followings that resist criticism.

“I don't think so. I think that as soon as you label it a group or a cult, history shows that power dynamics always come…”
Derek Beres · 65:00

#cults#ethics#leadership

Explainer· 3

Explainer01:00

What Conspirituality Really Means

Conspirituality is a term that describes the merging of conspiracy theories with New Age spirituality. It became prominent in the 2010s but has roots going back to the 19th century. The term was academically coined in 2011 but gained wider attention just before the pandemic.

Conspirituality blends spiritual beliefs with conspiracy theories, especially in wellness and yoga communities.
The term was coined in 2011 by Charlotte Ward and David Voas but remained obscure until recently.
It reflects a long-standing pattern where alternative spirituality overlaps with distrust of mainstream institutions.

“Contemporary conspiruality became common in the 1990s, apparently.”
Derek Beres · 01:20

#conspirituality#spirituality#conspiracy-theories

Explainer06:00

Who's Most Vulnerable to Conspirituality?

People without strong real-world social connections are more susceptible to conspiratorial thinking. This includes both isolated individuals and those in tight, insular communities like wellness circles.

Lack of real-world social support makes people more prone to online ideologies.
Wellness communities are especially vulnerable due to distrust of mainstream medicine and politics.
Privileged individuals who equate personal comfort with universal reality are at risk.

“It's often people without strong social support networks.”
Derek Beres · 06:00

#vulnerability#social-isolation#wellness-culture

Explainer39:00

Purity Is a Core Obsession in Conspirituality

The idea of bodily and spiritual purity is central to many wellness influencers. This leads to extreme behaviors around diet, supplements, and vaccines, all framed as 'sovereignty.'

Purity spirals are common in spiritual communities.
Bodily sovereignty is used to justify anti-vaccine views.
This mindset makes people resistant to public health messaging.

“Purity is probably one of the biggest ideas that pervades these influencers.”
Derek Beres · 39:30

#purity#wellness#anti-vaccine

Story· 1

Story09:30

How QAnon Infiltrated Yoga Communities

The rise of Instagram and influencer culture shifted yoga from a practice-focused community to a lifestyle brand. This opened the door for QAnon and far-right ideologies to spread through hashtags and wellness influencers.

Instagram's visual culture made yoga more about image than practice.
Hashtags like 'pastel QAnon' show how far-right ideas entered wellness spaces.
Anti-vaccine rhetoric became a major vector for conspiracy theories in these communities.

“QAnon infiltrated the yoga community? Oh, absolutely.”
Chris · 09:45

#qanon#yoga#social-media

Q&A· 2

Q&A40:00

Why Spirituality Makes Conspiracy Theories More Appealing

Spirituality adds emotional resonance to conspiracy theories. When people feel they have special insight or a higher truth, the theory becomes more compelling than facts.

Feelings often trump facts in spiritual communities.
The idea of 'inner knowing' makes people distrust science and experts.
This emotional appeal is what draws people into cult-like groups.

“In this world that we cover, feelings will trump facts or science or research at any moment.”
Derek Beres · 00:00

#spirituality#emotions#cults

Q&A60:30

Does Deplatforming Actually Work?

Deplatforming can backfire by creating a martyr effect, but it also limits reach. Many influencers use mainstream platforms to drive followers to unmoderated spaces like Telegram.

Influencers often announce they're leaving platforms but stay until forced off.
They use platforms like Instagram to recruit, then move followers to Telegram for extreme content.
Deplatforming may reduce visibility but doesn't eliminate influence.

“They'll keep announcing they're leaving, but they don't actually leave until they get deplatformed.”
Derek Beres · 61:20

#deplatforming#social-media#influence

Takeaway· 1

Takeaway53:00

Humility Is Missing in Conspirituality Leaders

Unlike honest educators, conspirituality influencers rarely admit mistakes. They perform uncertainty as a tactic, not a genuine stance.

Real experts admit when they're wrong.
Conspirituality leaders use 'just asking questions' as a shield.
True dialogue requires vulnerability, which is rare in these spaces.

“The uncertainty would always seem to be quite performative.”
Chris · 53:00

#humility#influencers#media