This edition of ReligionLink explores reporting, analysis and commentary around the term “cult,” helping you better understand the word, its uses, and how to report thoughtfully, carefully and sensitively on the subject.

Amanda Montell is a a writer, linguist, and podcast host living in Los Angeles. She is the author of the book Cultish: The Language of Fanaticism and co-host of the Spotify Top 20 podcast, “Sounds like a cult.”

David G. Bromley is a professor of sociology at Virginia Commonwealth University. He specializes in sociology of religion, with a particular emphasis on the study of New Religious Movements and the anti-cult movement. He is co-editor of Cults, Religion, and Violence.

James W. Pennebaker is a professor in the department of psychology at the University of Texas at Austin. He wrote Opening Up: The Healing Power of Expressing Emotions and Writing to Heal: A Guided Journal for Recovering From Trauma and Emotional Upheaval.

Andi Egbert is a senior research associate at APM Research Lab. Through its ongoing Color of Coronavirus project, the research lab is analyzing the inequalities among COVID-19 deaths. Send interview requests to Kelly Reller.

Kevin B. Wright is a George Mason University professor who studies health communications and is the co-author of several books, including Health Communication in the 21st Century and Computer-Mediated Communication in Personal Relationships.

Zeynep Tufekci is a sociology professor at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She wrote “Twitter and Tear Gas: The Power and Fragility of Networked Protest.”

David Snyder is the executive director of the First Amendment Coalition. He comments on free speech issues.

Darren Linvill is a Clemson University professor who researches disinformation on social media.