“THE CULT OF THE FOUNDER.” “THE CULT OF THE TECH GENIUS.” “Beware: Silicon Valley’s cultists want to turn you into a disruptive deviant.” “Tech’s cult of the founder bounces back.” “Silicon Valley’s Strange, Apocalyptic Cults.” “How the cult of personality and tech-bro culture is killing technology.” “Company or cult?” “Is your corporate culture cultish?” “The Cult of Company Culture Is Back. But Do Tech Workers Even Want Perks Anymore?” “10 tech gadgets with a cult following on Amazon—and why they’re worth it.” “13 steps to developing a cult-like company culture.” The headlines seem to write themselves (if that cliché is allowed anymore in the age of ChatGPT and generative AI). Tech is culty. But that is a metaphor, right? When I first saw Michael Saylor’s Twitter account, I wasn’t sure. Saylor is an entrepreneur, tech executive, and former billionaire. Once reportedly the richest man in the Washington, DC, area, he lost most of his $7 billion net worth in 2000 when, in his mid-30s, he reached a settlement with the US Securities and Exchange Commission after it brought charges against him and two of his colleagues at a company called MicroStrategy for inaccurate reporting of their financial results. But I had no idea who he was back then. In 2021 Saylor started showing up in my Twitter feed. His profile picture showed a man with chiseled features, silver hair, and stubble sitting in a power pose and looking directly into the camera, a black dress shirt unbuttoned to display a generous amount of his neck. It was a typical tech entrepreneur’s publicity shot except for the lightning bolts blasting from his eyes, and the golden halo crown. Then there were his tweets: #Bitcoin is Truth. #Bitcoin is For All Mankind. #Bitcoin is Different. Trust the Timechain. Fiat [government-backed currency] is immoral. #Bitcoin is immortal. #Bitcoin is a shining city in cyberspace, waiting for you. #Bitcoin is the heartbeat of Planet Earth. As MIT’s humanist chaplain, I follow a lot of ministers, rabbis, imams, and monks online. Very few religious leaders would dare to be this religious on social media. They know that few of their readers want to see such hubris. Why, then, does there seem to be an audience for this seemingly cultish behavior from a cryptocurrency salesman? Are tech leaders like Saylor leading actual cults? According to Bretton Putter, an expert on startups and CEO of the consulting firm CultureGene, this needn’t be a major concern: “It’s pretty much impossible,” Putter writes, “for a business to become a full-blown cult.” And if a tech company or other business happens to resemble a cult, that might just be a good thing, he argues: “If you succeed in building a cultlike culture similar to the way that Apple, Tesla, Zappos, Southwest Airlines, Nordstrom, and Harley-Davidson have, you will experience loyalty, dedication, and commitment from your employees (and customers) that is way beyond the norm.” Are the cultlike aspects of tech companies really that benign? Or should we be worried? To find the answer, I interviewed Steve Hassan, a top expert on exit counseling, or helping people escape destructive cults. At age 19, while he was studying poetry at Queens College in New York City in the early 1970s, Hassan was recruited into the Unification Church—the famously manipulative cult also known as the Moonies. Over his next 27 months as a member of the church, Hassan helped with its fundraising, recruiting, and political efforts, which involved personally meeting with the cult leader Sun Myung Moon multiple times. He lived in communal housing, slept only a few hours a night, and sold carnations on street corners seven days a week for no pay. He was told to drop out of college and turn his bank account over to the church. In 1976, he fell asleep at the wheel while driving a Moonie fundraising van and drove into the back of a tractor-trailer at high speed. He called his sister from the hospital, and his parents hired former members to help “deprogram” him and extract him from the cult. After the Jonestown mass suicide and murders of 1978 brought attention to the lethal dangers of cult mind control, Hassan founded a nonprofit organization, Ex-Moon Inc. Since then, he’s earned a handful of graduate degrees (including a doctorate in the study of cults), started numerous related projects, and written a popular book on how practices with which he is all too familiar have crept into the mainstream of US politics in recent years. (That 2019 book, , seemed even more relevant in early 2024, when a video called “God Made Trump” went viral across the campaign trail.) Hassan even found himself advising Maryland congressman Jamie Raskin, leader of the second impeachment trial against Donald Trump, in 2021, on how to think and communicate about the cultish aspects of the violent mob of Trump followers who stormed the Capitol on January 6 of that year. I wanted to ask Hassan what he makes of the discourse around tech cults, but first it’s important to understand how he thinks about cults in the first place. Hassan’s dissertation was titled “The BITE Model of Authoritarian Control: Undue Influence, Thought Reform, Brainwashing, Mind Control, Trafficking, and the Law.” The idea was to create a model that could measure cult exploitation and manipulation, or what Hassan and other experts in related fields call “undue influence.” His BITE model looks to evaluate the ways social groups and institutions attempt to control followers’ behavior, information access, thoughts, and emotions. Because there is no one quintessential, Platonic definition of a cult, what matters is where a given instance of potential cultishness falls on an “influence continuum.” In this continuum model, Hassan evaluates the ways in which institutional cultures attempt to influence people. To what extent are individuals allowed to be their authentic selves or required to adopt a false cult identity? Are leaders accountable to others, or do they claim absolute authority? Do organizations encourage growth in the people who participate in them, or do they seek to preserve their own power over all else? While any kind of person or group can struggle with some of the dimensions on Hassan’s continuum chart (which lists constructive behaviors at one end and destructive behaviors at the other), healthier organizations will tend toward constructive responses more of the time, whereas unhealthier institutions—those more truly worthy of the cult label in the most negative sense—will tend toward destructive responses such as grandiosity, hate, demands for obedience, elitism, authoritarianism, deceptiveness, or hunger for power. It turns out that there are some real, meaningful similarities between cults and tech, according to Hassan. “This is the perfect mind-control device,” he told me, holding up his iPhone. He explained that when he joined the Moonies in 1974, cult recruiters had to get information from the victim. Now, he said, users of everyday technologies are sitting ducks: “There are 5,000 data points on every voting American in the dark web, and there are companies that will collect and sell that data.” The first time Hassan was told about cryptocurrency, he added, it smacked of multilevel marketing to him. The proposition that you can make a fortune in a very short amount of time, with almost no labor, was something he had seen many times in his work. As was the idea that if you become an early investor in such a scheme, you’ll make more money if you recruit more people to join you. “The people who started it are always going to make 99% of the money,” Hassan said. And as in the cults that recruited him and continue to recruit the kinds of people who ultimately become his clients, “everyone else is going to get burned.” All of this would certainly seem to explain why I so frequently hear from people, eager for me to know they are fellow atheists, who tell me to buy some bitcoin because it will rewire my neurons and cure me of the woke mind virus. Of course, it should be noted that some scholars have complained about Hassan’s work, arguing that brainwashing and mind control are concepts for which there is not sufficient evidence. But I’m not claiming that tech uses literal brainwashing, nor is it like when a character in a episode hears “You are getting very sleepy” and then their eyes become squiggles. Hassan probably wouldn’t say so either. Companies don’t need to go to such extremes to exert undue influence on us, though. And as is clear from the headlines I cited above, a lot of companies have been accused of, or associated with, a bit of cultishness. I won’t attempt to evaluate anyone’s cultish tendencies on a scale of 1 to 10. But I see crypto sales techniques as a particularly good example of cultlike behavior, because if there’s one thing cults need to be good at to sustain their existence, it’s separating people from their wallets. Cryptocurrency has specialized in that to extraordinary effect. It’s all a continuum, and it would be hard to find a person whose life is completely devoid of anything cultish, technological or otherwise. But as a culture, we are careening dangerously toward the wrong end of Hassan’s chart. Or to quote a Michael Saylor tweet, “We all stumble in the dark until we see the cyber light. #Bitcoin.” : How Technology Became the World’s Most Powerful Religion, and Why It Desperately Needs a Reformation.
Nominations Open for 2025 Defense IT Summit Flywheel AwardsPublished 20:57 IST, December 29th 2024 In 2024, the world lost several prominent figures whose deaths left a lasting impact across business, politics, music, and culture. The year 2024 saw the loss of some of the world’s most influential figures, from business leaders and politicians to musicians and cultural icons. These individuals had left a huge impact in their respective fields, and their deaths resonated deeply with people around the world. Here is a look at some of the most significant personalities who passed away in 2024, along with their contributions that shaped the world. Ratan Tata: The Iconic Industrialist Who Transformed India Ratan Tata, the former chairman of the Tata Group, passed away on October 9, 2024, leaving behind a monumental legacy. Tata was instrumental in making Tata Group a global leader in industries ranging from steel to automobiles. Under his leadership, the company made major acquisitions, including the purchase of Jaguar Land Rover and Corus Group. Beyond his business success, Tata was known for his philanthropic efforts, particularly in healthcare, education, and rural development. His commitment to corporate social responsibility made him a beloved figure in India and around the world. Liam Payne: One Direction Star Who Advocated for Mental Health Liam Payne, the British singer and former member of the globally successful boy band One Direction, tragically passed away on October 16, 2024. Payne rose to fame in the early 2010s with One Direction, which became one of the best-selling music acts in history. After the band went on hiatus, Payne pursued a solo career and continued to influence the music industry. He was also an advocate for mental health awareness, using his platform to raise awareness about the importance of mental well-being, especially for young people. His death left fans around the world mourning the loss of a talent and a voice that had inspired millions. Alexei Navalny: Putin's Main Opponent, Dies in Prison Alexei Navalny, Russia's top opposition leader, passed away at the age of 47 in February while imprisoned in the Arctic. His death was announced by the prison facility on February 16. Navalny had been serving a 19-year sentence for extremism charges. In December, he was transferred from a prison in the Vladimir region to a high-security penal colony called IK-3, also known as "Polar Wolf," located in the northern town of Kharp. From NFL Star to Courtroom Drama: OJ Simpson, Ex-NFL Star, Dies at 76 OJ Simpson, the former NFL player who gained worldwide fame, passed away on April 10 in Las Vegas at the age of 76. He died surrounded by his children and grandchildren, according to a statement from his family. While Simpson was known for his football career with the Buffalo Bills and the San Francisco 49ers, he became even more famous for his involvement in a high-profile murder trial. In 1994, Simpson was charged with the brutal murders of his ex-wife, Nicole Brown Simpson, and her friend, Ronald Goldman. His trial, which began in June 1994 and ended in October 1995, concluded with an acquittal, though the case continued to make headlines around the world. Beloved ‘Prof. McGonagall’ Dame Maggie Smith: A Legendary Career Celebrated Dame Maggie Smith, beloved for her roles as Professor McGonagall in Harry Potter and the dowager Countess of Grantham in Downton Abbey , passed away at the age of 89 on September 27. She was a legendary actress who won two Oscars, four Emmys, and a Tony Award. Her career, which started in the 1950s, touched the lives of millions. Maggie Smith was first nominated for an Oscar in 1965 for her role as Desdemona in Othello and won her first Oscar in 1969 for playing a school teacher in The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie . Other notable performances include her role as Lady Bracknell in The Importance of Being Earnest , in the play Three Tall Women , and in the film Gosford Park . In 1990, Maggie Smith was knighted by Queen Elizabeth and became a Dame. Indian Fashion Icon Rohit Bal Passes Away at 63: A Legacy of Bold Elegance Indian fashion mourns the loss of one of its greatest visionaries, Rohit Bal, who passed away on November 1, 2024, after battling a heart ailment. The celebrated designer died at the age of 63 in a Delhi hospital, just weeks after showcasing his final collection, "Kaaynaat: A Bloom in the Universe," at the FDCI x Lakmé Fashion Week. Born in Srinagar, Rohit Bal studied at Delhi University’s St. Stephen's College before pursuing his passion at the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT). He launched his own label in 1986, quickly rising to prominence in both Indian and international fashion circles. Known for his distinctive love of whites, blacks, off-whites, and golds, as well as his bold motifs and luxurious fabrics, Bal became a defining force in the industry. Referred to as "poetry" by fellow designer Gaurav Gupta, his designs were graced by international stars like Uma Thurman, Pamela Anderson, Cindy Crawford, and Naomi Campbell. Bal’s final runway show, defying conventions as always, featured iconic figures like 1990s supermodel Sheetal Mallar and actress Ananya Panday, with music from legends such as Kate Bush and Madonna. Quincy Jones: The Music Legend Who Redefined Pop and Jazz Quincy Jones, the iconic US musician who revolutionized pop music through his collaborations with Michael Jackson and others, passed away on November 3 at the age of 91. Over a remarkable 65-year career, Jones—known as 'Q'—became a trumpeter, bandleader, arranger, composer, and producer, earning 28 Grammy Awards. A tireless workaholic, he shaped timeless jazz with Miles Davis, produced hits for Frank Sinatra, and brought together the star-studded lineup for the legendary 1985 charity song "We Are the World." Zakir Hussain, Tabla Maestro and Global Music Icon Died Leaving a Timeless Legacy Zakir Hussain, the iconic tabla maestro, passed away on December 16 in San Francisco at the age of 73, following a battle with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, according to his family. Known worldwide for his mastery of the tabla, Hussain's influence transcended borders, earning him reverence and admiration from music lovers globally. Born on March 9, 1951, in Mumbai, Hussain's early passion for tabla led him to collaborate with musical giants such as Ravi Shankar, Ali Akbar Khan, and Shivkumar Sharma. His collaborations weren’t limited to classical legends—he also joined forces with Western stars like The Beatles, Yo-Yo Ma, Charles Lloyd, Mickey Hart, and John McLaughlin. Hussain was a recipient of numerous prestigious awards, including the Padma Bhushan, Padma Vibhushan, and Padma Shri. He also won two Grammy Awards with Mickey Hart, and in March 2024, he made history by receiving three Grammys in one night for his work with John McLaughlin’s band 'Shakti' and collaborations with Béla Fleck, Edgar Meyer, and Rakesh Chaurasia. Survived by his wife Antonia Minnecola, daughters Anisa and Isabella Qureshi, his brothers Taufiq and Fazal Qureshi, and sister Khurshid Aulia, Hussain’s passing marks the end of an era, but his timeless contributions to music will continue to inspire future generations. Former PM and Architect of India's Economic Reforms: Manmohan Singh Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, aged 92, passed away at AIIMS Delhi on December 26 after being admitted in critical condition. Known as the architect of India’s economic transformation, Singh’s reforms as Finance Minister in 1991 helped steer the country out of a severe financial crisis. Singh, who served as Prime Minister from 2004 to 2014, began his government career as an economic advisor in 1971, later serving as the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Governor. His leadership during India's pivotal economic reforms remains a defining moment in the nation's history. A scholar with degrees from Cambridge and Oxford, Singh was India’s first non-Hindu Prime Minister, taking office in 2004. He is survived by his wife, Gursharan Kaur, and three daughters. Born on September 26, 1932, in pre-partition Punjab, Singh's legacy of humility, principles, and visionary leadership continues to inspire leaders globally. Tributes have poured in from across the world, with leaders such as US President Joe Biden and French President Emmanuel Macron mourning his loss. Reflecting on Their Legacies As 2024 draws to a close, the passing of these figures has reminded the world of their lasting influence. While their deaths have left an irreplaceable void in their communities and industries, their legacies continue to inspire future generations. Their contributions to society, whether through innovation, art, politics, or social change, will be remembered long after their passing. Get Current Updates on India News , Entertainment News along with Latest News and Top Headlines from India and around the world. Updated 20:57 IST, December 29th 2024Pulse Biosciences, Inc. Announces Planned Redemption of Warrants
FAIRFAX, Va. , Nov. 25, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- GovCIO Media & Research , a leading federal technology media company, opened the Flywheel Award nominations for the 2025 Defense IT Summit. Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Please enable it in your browser settings. Success! An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. Error! There was an error processing your request. Success! An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. Error! There was an error processing your request. Top trending stories from the past week. News, Sports, and more throughout the week. The week's obituaries, delivered to your inbox.