@Bellorris Cult= extremism + leverage. They usually have power over followers. Scientology controls your finances. Traditional cults will control your ability to travel, to get information, or your personal identification (birth certificates, ID, etc.) so leaving the cult is dangerous.
@Bellorris To over-answer your question -
Extremism = sunk-cost fallacy. No logic, usually a quick, knee jerk position that you must defend. “The world looks flat.” “Moon landing seems fake.” “Why not a businessman as president?” Then you start defending it because you sound stupid.