Social Psychology: Changing the Jim Jones Cult

In the Jim Jones cult, various things contributed to the influence of the people involved. First, the authority that Jim Jones had over the people made people follow him blindly as they had acquired their obedience and could control their thoughts, actions, and decisions. Out of this complete control and authority, about 900 individuals lost their lives. Secondly, the involved individuals were vulnerable. Vulnerability implies the economic and social status of the involved individuals. Most if not all of these members were poor and could not afford their economic and social wants, and as a result, their manipulation was much easier. Besides, vulnerable members can easily be manipulated into carrying out some acts based on their suffering and inability to provide t...