Scientology’s pursuit of the youth
May 19, 2026
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2:59Now PlayingScientology’s pursuit of the youth
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as posted by the channelYou may have seen groups of young people on TikTok filming themselves “speed-running” Scientology buildings—seeing how deep inside they can get before being thrown out.
This isn't the ideal outreach method for Scientologists – the church has accused these young people of trespassing and harassment. But the church is far from denouncing TikTok. Since early 2025, some of their centers' TikTok accounts became especially active, pumping out social videos about the church's, often using popular songs and trending audio, presenting a more approachable, amiable, and youthful face for the church.
But according to ex-members and journalists, the strategy is not working. “Young people who are not Scientologists really see Scientology as an object of ridicule,” said Tony Ortega, a journalist who’s been covering the church for more than 30 years.
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