It is true that anyone is free to leave. But not many cults literally kidnap their victims, the control is psychological, and victims always go deeper willingly believing they’ve made entirely their own decisions of their own free will.
A cult usually has a charismatic leader - where is the leader ? some discussion and questions on corrupt politicians and business leaders in an anonymous forum ? that's a cult ?
A cult usually has high ranking members, that run the show and are inline to take over if the leader dies - where are they ?
A cult usually has a central premises where members meet - where is it ?
A cult usually has a body of doctrine - usually fanatically religious in nature - where is it ?
A cult usually involves collecting money - where is the money ?
A cult often requires certain ceremonies, clothing, attire, adherence to doctrine, attendance of meetings, classes, groups, initiations, ranks, grades etc. - where are they ?
I was really hoping to become a grand pooh-bar QAnon - can you tell me where to sign up ?
Happy to roll up one trouser leg and wear a blind fold and swear allegiance to a supreme being - oh no - sorry - that's the other lot....
Cults are controlling, where's the control here? Who's telling anybody what to do?
It is true that anyone is free to leave. But not many cults literally kidnap their victims, the control is psychological, and victims always go deeper willingly believing they’ve made entirely their own decisions of their own free will.
It's literally not the same situation. By your definition any serious hobby club is a "cult."
A cult usually has a charismatic leader - where is the leader ? some discussion and questions on corrupt politicians and business leaders in an anonymous forum ? that's a cult ?
A cult usually has high ranking members, that run the show and are inline to take over if the leader dies - where are they ?
A cult usually has a central premises where members meet - where is it ?
A cult usually has a body of doctrine - usually fanatically religious in nature - where is it ?
A cult usually involves collecting money - where is the money ?
A cult often requires certain ceremonies, clothing, attire, adherence to doctrine, attendance of meetings, classes, groups, initiations, ranks, grades etc. - where are they ?
I was really hoping to become a grand pooh-bar QAnon - can you tell me where to sign up ?
Happy to roll up one trouser leg and wear a blind fold and swear allegiance to a supreme being - oh no - sorry - that's the other lot....
How so?