" (Pratkanis and Aronson, p. 242) Each tiny step is designed to be sufficiently small so the members will not notice the changes in themselves or identify the coercive nature of the processes being used. The subjects of these tactics do not become aware of the hidden organizational purpose of the coercive psychological program until much later, if ever. These tactics are usually applied in a group setting by well intentioned but deceived "friends and allies" of the victim. This keeps the victim from putting up the ego defenses normally used in adversarial situations. (Dolan 2000; Singer 1987).
The coercive psychological influence of these programs aims to overcome the individual's critical thinking abilities and free will - apart from any appeal to informed judgment. Victims gradually lose their ability to make independent decisions and exercise informed consent. Their critical thinking, defenses, cognitive processes, values, ideas, attitudes, conduct and ability to reason are undetermined by a technological process rather than by free choice, rationality, or the natural merit or value of the ideas or propositions being presented. (Schein 1961; Singer 1987) Their thoughts become isolated and controlled. .
Cults control people by first creating a social reality and eliminating all sources of information. Society has less confidence in government and religious organizations. Social isolation is promoted and contact with family and friends are regulated by the cult. Communication is highly controlled. Economic and other dependence on the group is fostered. Self censorship is instilled within members and proves to be more efficient in that the cult leader(s) does not have to constantly be on watch of what the follower is doing. Things outside the cult are labeled evil. Repetition also helps in creating a social reality. "Repetition makes the heart grow fonder, and fiction, if heard frequently enough, can come to sound like fact.