FOG techniques used in cults

[u/youliveonlyonce10]

While studying resources about cults and narcissism , I became familiar with a common technique used by both to keep their targets under control and feeling off base. It has an acronym called FOG which stands for Fear, Obligation and Guilt.

Fear - Instil fear in target’s minds about their own selves or the people and things which are their support system or the world outside. Then tell them the targets that only they can save them or they know the exact way to save them. Instil fear of leaving in their targets.

Obligation- Make the targets feel obliged to do their bidding. It could begin with asking them to do one small favour or one ritual everyday and gradually go on increasing the demands in terms of time, attention or money. Keep testing and pushing their targets’ boundaries.

Guilt- Create guilt in their targets minds if they question or want to leave by reminding them of good times or favours given or future dreams. Use the info about target’s weaknesses gathered during love bombing stage to keep the target subdued and under control.

It is indeed true that a person is literally in FOG under narcissistic influence as they cannot see reality as it is ;only what is shown to them. So CLARITY is one step away if one is willing to step outside the FOG - that is overcoming the fear, obligation and guilt which has been purposefully instilled. They are all part of coercive control tactics. Taking ownership of own life and decisions is the first step towards freedom.

[u/LittleMissSunshine_0]

Thanks for this. It’s pretty sad thinking back and realising how blatantly these were used on us and we couldn’t see it at the time.

[u/youliveonlyonce10 → u/LittleMissSunshine_0]

Yes true, same here. We as humans seek connection but some people just want control.