Wednesday, February 7, 2018

What is Information Control?

Based on Steve Hassan's BITE Model.

In many groups, such as Scientology, Jehovah's Witnesses etc it has been reported that Information Control is a key component in their policies and practices. For instance, in Scientology it is quite common for family members and friends to write reports on each other in an attempt to get one "on the straight and narrow or on the program" again. A wife could write a report on her husband for drinking to much alcohol, or a friend may write a report on something their friend confided in them about, such as an affair or a personal issue they are having. Every Scientologist has an "Ethics" file where these reports would go. Scientologists are encouraged to not read or watch the news, they are discouraged from reading or studying anything that isn't Scientology doctrine. Sea Org members (the members who sign the billion year contract) can receive mail, but their personal mail is opened and read before they receive it and if anything negative regarding Scientology is written then the Sea Org member would be instructed to "handle" or disconnect. Meaning, handle the person who wrote the negative comments to the point where they are no longer negative on the subject or they would need to disconnect from them.

Steve Hassan says:

"Many people think of mind control as an ambiguous, mystical process that cannot be defined in concrete terms.  In reality, mind control refers to a specific set of methods and techniques, such as hypnosis or thought-stopping, that influence how a person thinks, feels, and acts. 



Destructive mind control can be determined when the overall effect of these four components: Behavior Control, Information Control, Thought Control and Emotional Control - promotes dependency and obedience to some leader or cause; it is not necessary for every single item on the list to be present.

Like many techniques, it is not inherently good or evil.  If mind control techniques are used to empower an individual to have more choice, and authority for their life remains within themselves, the effects can be beneficial. For example, benevolent mind control can be used to help people quit smoking without affecting any other behavior.  Mind control becomes destructive when it undermines a person’s ability to think and act independently."

If you or someone you know would like to Report a Cult, Need Help and or Support or want to Tell Your Story please feel free to fill out and submit one of the forms on our website:

https://www.familiesagainstcultteachings.org/cult-help/contact.html

Please share this info graphic, our blog and website with others.

Thank you again for all your continued support in this fight of darkness.

Sincerely,

The FACT Team
Families Against Cult Teachings, Inc 

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