Age: 32, Gender: Male, Nationality: Dutch / Italian, Main language: Dutch, Language of interview: English, lives in Germany --- Interviewer: When you hear the word cult, what comes to your mind? Interviewee: Religion Interviewer: Amazing thank you. Briefly would you mind telling me why you associate them with a cult? Interviewee: Sure, there’s a certain aspect/socio-cultural norms and beliefs within groups of people that to me are central to cults. Once I started looking at religions through those norms and codes, things became clearer to me in terms of what is and is not of value to me within religions as well. Btw, I wouldn’t necessarily call all religions cults, but it is useful to compare them to create a better understanding of religions. Interviewer: Ok great, would you have specific examples of things you would consider cults then ? Interviewee: What do you mean with 'things I would consider cults'? Examples of these norms, codes and beliefs that feel "culty" to me? Interviewer: Examples of things you would say " this is a cult" Interviewee: Pfft to be honest I'm not thinking about or dealing with cults a lot. But I suppose most commonly I'd consider groups of people with some commonly considered 'alternative' beliefs and a person, figure or certain idea as a central element within their communal belief system. Also a lack of uncertainty could maybe be an interesting characteristic of cults.
--- Interview Notes: gathered on instagram after posting a story asking for people to share their thoughts on the word "cult." The interview was conducted via direct message, on Thursday, August 13th 2026. Personal information have been anonymized.