Cult Expert Dr Steven Hassan
@drstevenhassan·58.1K subscribers·897 videos
Scientology's New Recruitment Method
Posted
February 27, 2026
Views
3,616
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223
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February 27, 2026
3,616
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1:03:25Now PlayingDr. Steven Hassan and Amir Essalhi host a timely discussion examining the Church of Scientology’s recent TikTok and social media recruitment campaigns and what really happens behind the scenes.
In this conversation, Dr. Steven Hassan, author of Combating Cult Mind Control and creator of the BITE Model of Authoritarian Control, speaks with Amir Essalhi, a former staff member for the Scotland branch of the Church of Scientology who helped produce TikTok and social media content designed to reach younger audiences.
Amir offers a rare insider perspective on how Scientology attempts to reshape its public image online using stylized short-form videos, "myth-busting" content, and carefully crafted messaging aimed at Gen Z users. Together, they will examine how high-control groups adapt to digital culture, how recruitment messaging is framed to appear empowering and focused on self-improvement, and how these tactics humanize the organization in a way that appeals to influencer-obsessed youth on social media platforms.
They will also explore what happens when someone inside the system begins to question the narrative, and what it takes to break free from coercive control in the digital age.
Together, they’ll examine critical questions, including:
- How Scientology uses TikTok and social media for image management and recruitment
- Why high-control groups target young people online
- How influencer culture can mask coercive persuasion
- What “myth-busting” content leaves out about Scientology’s history
- How the BITE Model applies to digital recruitment strategies
- What happens internally when a member speaks to critics or outsiders
- The psychology of leaving a high-control group
-How families can protect their loved ones from cult influence online
- What this reveals about cults, propaganda, and digital manipulation more broadly
📅 Time: Thursday, February 27, 2026 @ 2:00 PM ET
🔴 Live: Join us for this important conversation — we will be taking viewer questions!
#Scientology #StevenHassan #DrStevenHassan #AmirEssalhi #CultAwareness #CultRecovery #UndueInfluence #CoerciveControl #TikTokRecruitment #HighControlGroups #BITEModel #InfluenceContinuum #DigitalManipulation #CultPsychology
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