Mastodawn

Hey Mastodon I ned some help.

An increasing number if people in my life are becoming #conspiracytheory nutjobs and I don't know what to do.

At first it was just one or two peripheral friends so I could just stop talking with them or ignore the crazy stuff they said, but now its closer friends and family.
Does anyone have any good resources or tips on how to handle this?

I know a fair bit about the theories as I have been interested in them for a long time, but it has been from a debunking POV since nothing ever seems solid enough to warrant any belief.
This knowledge doesn't seem to be relevant though since "you can't reason someone out of an oppinion they didn't reason themselves into".

I would appreciate any and all input on deprogramming techniques, support groups etc.
Feel free to boost for visibility.

Thanks in advance 😚

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Zumbador Dec 26

@bno

I've been seeing a lot of people writing about this, probably because it's an increasing problem.

Most people recommend a respectful approach like this https://chrisguillebeau.com/how-to-talk-to-someone-who-believes-a-conspiracy-theory

I think the advice about acknowledging the emotional dimension is particularly important. Also, being aware of the difference in core beliefs. It's difficult to communicate with someone if you value the core beliefs of, for example, honesty and justice, and you assume they do too - but in fact their core beliefs are to honor purity, obedience and loyalty.

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bno Dec 26

@Zumbador @lritter @alexisbushnell @fak

Thanks for your answers. Its really appreciated 😚😚
Looks like I have a bunch of reading to do this afternoon as well as some challenges to my patience and empathy in the future 😂

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Alexis Bushnell

@bno @Zumbador @lritter @fak honestly, strength & solidarity to you for trying. We all need to be more willing to engage with those people in our lives if we want to improve things.