The coercive psychological influence of these programs aims to overcome the individual's critical thinking abilities and free will-apart from any appeal to informed judgment. Victims gradually lose their ability to make independent decisions and exercise informed consent. Their critical thinking, defenses, cognitive processes, values, ideas, attitudes, conduct and ability to reason are undermined by a technological process rather than by meaningful free choice, rationality, or the inherent merit or value of the ideas or propositions being presented. The tactics used to create undue psychological and social influence, often by means involving anxiety and stress, fall into seven main categories. Establish control over the person's social environment, time and sources of social support by a system of often-excessive rewards and punishments.
Social isolation is promoted.
Contact with family and friends is abridged, as is contact with persons who do not share group- approved attitudes. Economic and other dependence on the group is fostered. Prohibit disconfirming information and non supporting opinions in group communication. Rules exist about permissible topics to discuss with outsiders. Communication is highly controlled.