N
noname223
Archangel
- Aug 18, 2020
- 5,001
Maybe this thread will explode or as some other of my recent threads mostly be ignored.
I try to be somewhat nuanced.
First of all there are some conspiracy theories which proved to be true. Sometimes the word conspiracy theorist is used as a label in order to undermine someone without listening to his/her stance. I think there are some current conspiracy theories which I consider as plausible or even likely. Like Epstein or the covid lab theory.
On the other hand there are a lot of conspiracy theories out there which I consider as completely insane or obivously not true. There are some people who tend to go the rabbit hole quite often. These people can be intelligent or can have a high reputation in society. This is not necessarily a contradiction.
Some examples: the flat earth theory, the false claim the Ukraine government would consist of drug addicted nazis or microchips in vaccines. Sometimes these "theories" can be really dangerous. Some expert say we should not call them a theory rather a conspiracy narrative. (don't know the exact translation in English).
The conspiracy theory about the Ukraine is even widespread in western countries. It should legimatize an assault against another peaceful nation. It shall be an excuse for starting a cruel war and crimes against humanity.
Another example is the reptilian conspiracy theory. I think there was one man who started a shooting in a pizzeria because of it. He thought the elites would drink the bloods of babies and he wanted to prevent that.
Many conspiracy theories include antisemitic stereoytypes. And my country has proved which horrible crimes can be committed when evil and wrong prejudices are widespread.
Now I come to the root of this phenomenon. There always have been conspiracy theories. For example about witches which led to cruel murdering of innocent women. In a world which is becoming more and more complex the people crave for (simple) truths and meaning. Something to which they can cling to. Some of them want to feel special. Superior to the naive crowd which they consider as simple sheep. (a herd) The internet facilitates that. Online you can find people who think like you. Algorithms of websites like youtube are designed so that people go down the rabbit hole. There are a lot of echo chambers online. Some people drift into parallel existences. This can tear societies or even families apart.
Now I could add some tips how to reach people who went down the rabbit hole. But this whole thread is already too long and I am not an expert. My thoughts are: Don't give up on them too early. Try to be respectful show your disagreements. Maybe point out some contradictions of the conspiracy narratives. If the person has doubts about something maybe you can come to some agreements.
Do you know someone you have "lost" to conspiracy theories? There will probably some people who will disagree vehemently with me especially about the vaccine microchip conspiracy narrative. It is currently quite popular. In general I have the feeling some theories might be popular in this forum. But on other platforms it is similar with them.
I try to be somewhat nuanced.
First of all there are some conspiracy theories which proved to be true. Sometimes the word conspiracy theorist is used as a label in order to undermine someone without listening to his/her stance. I think there are some current conspiracy theories which I consider as plausible or even likely. Like Epstein or the covid lab theory.
On the other hand there are a lot of conspiracy theories out there which I consider as completely insane or obivously not true. There are some people who tend to go the rabbit hole quite often. These people can be intelligent or can have a high reputation in society. This is not necessarily a contradiction.
Some examples: the flat earth theory, the false claim the Ukraine government would consist of drug addicted nazis or microchips in vaccines. Sometimes these "theories" can be really dangerous. Some expert say we should not call them a theory rather a conspiracy narrative. (don't know the exact translation in English).
The conspiracy theory about the Ukraine is even widespread in western countries. It should legimatize an assault against another peaceful nation. It shall be an excuse for starting a cruel war and crimes against humanity.
Another example is the reptilian conspiracy theory. I think there was one man who started a shooting in a pizzeria because of it. He thought the elites would drink the bloods of babies and he wanted to prevent that.
Many conspiracy theories include antisemitic stereoytypes. And my country has proved which horrible crimes can be committed when evil and wrong prejudices are widespread.
Now I come to the root of this phenomenon. There always have been conspiracy theories. For example about witches which led to cruel murdering of innocent women. In a world which is becoming more and more complex the people crave for (simple) truths and meaning. Something to which they can cling to. Some of them want to feel special. Superior to the naive crowd which they consider as simple sheep. (a herd) The internet facilitates that. Online you can find people who think like you. Algorithms of websites like youtube are designed so that people go down the rabbit hole. There are a lot of echo chambers online. Some people drift into parallel existences. This can tear societies or even families apart.
Now I could add some tips how to reach people who went down the rabbit hole. But this whole thread is already too long and I am not an expert. My thoughts are: Don't give up on them too early. Try to be respectful show your disagreements. Maybe point out some contradictions of the conspiracy narratives. If the person has doubts about something maybe you can come to some agreements.
Do you know someone you have "lost" to conspiracy theories? There will probably some people who will disagree vehemently with me especially about the vaccine microchip conspiracy narrative. It is currently quite popular. In general I have the feeling some theories might be popular in this forum. But on other platforms it is similar with them.
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