The power of social media has been a topic of discussion for years, and the similarities between Facebook and cults have been a recent point of interest. Mark Zuckerberg, the leader of Facebook, has been compared to L. Ron Hubbard, the founder of Scientology, due to their both coming to power in questionable ways. The comparison is further solidified by the fact that Tom Cruise is a member of both.
The control Facebook has over its members is similar to that of a cult. Last month, Facebook updated its Terms of Use in an effort to clarify its privacy policies. However, this only serves as a reminder of the amount of control and personal information we have relinquished to the social media company. We have willingly given Facebook more power over our lives than the science fiction cult from the Planet Xenu.
- The Contract
Members of Scientology’s highest echelon, the Sea Org, are required to sign a contract of commitment to the religion for a period of one billion years. In comparison, Facebook requires users to sign a lengthy agreement of terms and conditions that the company would rather remain unread. Upon closer inspection, the Terms of Use absolves Facebook of any liability for any potential harm caused to users, while also relinquishing all rights of the user. It is a contract that only a fool would sign.
2. Complete Surveillance of All Activities
Former members of the Church of Scientology have reported feeling as though they were living in an Orwellian nightmare, with their movements constantly monitored by those in higher positions within the organisation. In addition, those who have spoken out against the church, such as L. Ron Hubbard’s great grandson, have been subject to intimidation from individuals linked to the church.
Facebook has been likened to George Orwell’s 1984, with its location tracking feature allowing it to monitor users’ movements. This means that Facebook knows where you are, what bar you are in, and the name of the restaurant where you just had dinner. Furthermore, Facebook will use this information to target users with ads for nearby establishments. Although users are able to turn off this tracking, some features, such as Nearby Friends, require Location History to be activated. Regardless, it appears that users have no way of avoiding being monitored by Facebook.
3. Personal Files
When actress Leah Remini left the Church of Scientology in 2013, she was concerned that her confidential files from “audit” sessions could be used to blackmail her. However, Facebook users have proven to be even more vulnerable to such threats, as they often post intimate personal information without the need for an “audit” session. This has had serious consequences for some, with an Idaho schoolteacher being fired after a humorous photo of her finance’s hand on her swimsuit was posted on Facebook, and an Ohio waitress being dismissed after complaining about bad tips. Even if you are not the one posting, you may still be at risk, as a friend tagging you in a post or a resurfacing photo could lead to your dismissal. It appears that Facebook is a more effective tool for ruining one’s life than a Scientology audit session, as it allows people to practice the First Amendment and unwittingly damage their own reputation.
