a religion, fandom, etc. is a symbiotic organism. It can still be in the wrong by attacking others or taking more than it gives, but it in the end holds some interest in the group of people that keep it running.
a cult is a parasite that ensures the hosts can’t even move, and makes them feel like only the parasite can understand them, making them not want to move.
not my experience but feel i should boost this PSA.
it feels like the average true crime fan’s perception of a cult involves like. wearing hooded robes and doing sacrifices