Swipe Left on Cults
Swipe Left on Cults
A digital awareness campaign aimed at identifying vulnerability and preventing psychological manipulation.
A digital awareness campaign aimed at identifying vulnerability and preventing psychological manipulation.
Role
Researcher, UI Designer
Role
Researcher, UI Designer
Project Type:
UX Design
Project Type:
UX Design
RELEASE
2023
RELEASE
2023
Credit
Beatriz Garza, Sydney Ayers, Maurice Cruz
Credit
Beatriz Garza, Sydney Ayers, Maurice Cruz
SITUATION
SITUATION
Cults don’t always look like cults. They often disguise themselves as safe communities or sources of belonging, especially in online spaces. People looking for connection may unknowingly fall into groups that manipulate their thoughts, isolate them, and exploit them emotionally or financially. Despite this, there are few tools designed to intervene before recruitment begins.
Cults don’t always look like cults. They often disguise themselves as safe communities or sources of belonging, especially in online spaces. People looking for connection may unknowingly fall into groups that manipulate their thoughts, isolate them, and exploit them emotionally or financially. Despite this, there are few tools designed to intervene before recruitment begins.
TASK
TASK
How might we reach emotionally vulnerable users and help them recognize early signs of cult influence—before harm occurs?
How might we reach emotionally vulnerable users and help them recognize early signs of cult influence—before harm occurs?
ACTION
ACTION
We conducted research across 31 case studies, peer-reviewed articles, and behavioral science findings. Key indicators included isolation, dependency, and a desire for purpose. Women and individuals with anxiety disorders appeared especially at risk.
Using these insights, we developed:
A vulnerability quiz, designed to be light-hearted in tone but grounded in research
A follow-up infographic that contrasts the inviting face of cults with the dangerous reality beneath
A pilot version embedded into Hinge, leveraging its in-app check-ins as a natural intervention point
The flow begins with an approachable quiz and ends with education—prompting reflection and offering links to support resources.
We conducted research across 31 case studies, peer-reviewed articles, and behavioral science findings. Key indicators included isolation, dependency, and a desire for purpose. Women and individuals with anxiety disorders appeared especially at risk.
Using these insights, we developed:
A vulnerability quiz, designed to be light-hearted in tone but grounded in research
A follow-up infographic that contrasts the inviting face of cults with the dangerous reality beneath
A pilot version embedded into Hinge, leveraging its in-app check-ins as a natural intervention point
The flow begins with an approachable quiz and ends with education—prompting reflection and offering links to support resources.
RESULT
RESULT
CultWatch introduces cult education into unexpected but critical digital spaces. By using design to lower defenses and build awareness, we’re able to reach people before they become deeply involved. Early testing indicates strong engagement with the quiz and a positive response to the infographic’s educational tone shift.
CultWatch introduces cult education into unexpected but critical digital spaces. By using design to lower defenses and build awareness, we’re able to reach people before they become deeply involved. Early testing indicates strong engagement with the quiz and a positive response to the infographic’s educational tone shift.
NEXT STEPS
NEXT STEPS
Launch usability testing with real users on Hinge
Expand integrations to other platforms like Tinder, Facebook, and BetterHelp
Build a fully functional quiz with real-time scoring and feedback
Develop partnerships with cult recovery organizations for resource referrals
Launch usability testing with real users on Hinge
Expand integrations to other platforms like Tinder, Facebook, and BetterHelp
Build a fully functional quiz with real-time scoring and feedback
Develop partnerships with cult recovery organizations for resource referrals