Ive always been intrigued by conspiracy theories, not only as fascinating and often revealing sociological artifacts, but also on account of their power to make us consider how do we know what we know. We know the Earth is not flat, yet I’ve seen plenty of fellow round earthers struggle to explain why this is so. But what I never thought I’d have to contend with was the sad spectacle of an educated, formerly progressive, mentally healthy friend succumbing to reactionary conspiracy theories, and defend them with such a high degree of certainty. I won’t go into the details of his beliefs because I don’t want this post getting shot down.
Have you had similar experiences? Any suggestions? I should clarify that he eventually got abusive with the people involved in the discussion, at one point he called me a parasite living off his taxes. I wasn’t even angry, just sad to see a decent soul going to the dogs like that. I guess I’m still in shock by all of this.
My dad got caught up in the same thing. I read like you have to get the minds person off it. My dads not stupid either he was a partner in a law firm. But I just ignore it people do what they do
If they involve science or maths, it is often beyond the scope of a poor education so a complex math equation proving the world is not flat isn’t going to cut the mustard.
Also when arguing it becomes about the ego. An ego driven mind cares about winning and not educating oneself. To lose face seems like a terrible affliction and an ego driven person (that most of us are) would rather lose friends than admit they are wrong.
It is ok to let people think they are right sometimes even when they are completely wrong to save a friendship.
I think it’s important to realize anyone can get sucked in by cultlike groups such as conspiracy theorists. It isn’t a moral failing or a lack of thinking. These groups study how to draw people in and have very specific tactics that prey on people’s insecurities and weaknesses. Debrainwashing is a very long and complicated process. I’ve lost a few good friends to MLM schemes, which use similar tactics. The most startling was one friend who went to a recruitment event to mock and shame anyone who fell for such dumb ideas. He spent like 3 hours there, and invested 5k into the MLM.
An overwhelming majority of Flat Earthers (and I’m being generous here) are scientifically illiterate. Unfortunately, so are most Round Earthers (or “normal people”, as a friend of mine would call them). So yes, whilst the correlation between scientific illiteracy and anti-science attitudes is unquestionably high, they are, I believe, weightier factors to consider, from digitally mediated notions of epistemic sovereignty (I’m not making this term up) to populist critiques of traditional expertise. But ignorance -much more than stupidity- is a big factor.
True, but I would also stress in the case of recent online conspiracy theories the importance of self-radicalisation. Most of these new movements, as opposed to the cults of old, are fairly (for lack of a better word) democratic. But I do hope these debrainwashing techniques prove useful here as well.
The methods for drawing in are the same though. Look for people who feel isolated (not hard to do during a pandemic). Accept them “as they are.” Start to introduce mild unusual beliefs. Reinforce with positive feedback, acceptance, love. Tolerate unwanted behavior until they become dependent on your love and acceptance. Then start removing love and acceptance for minor infractions. Return the positivity as soon as the person corrects. Then, name an enemy. Vilify enemy. Blame enemy for all wrong in that person’s life. Reinforce yourself as the only defense against the named enemy. When unwanted behaviors arise, tell the person they are being like the enemy. Remove love and affection. Openly shower others with that love and affection where the person can see it. Once they apologize and stop performing unwanted behavior, shower them with love again. Over time, they will learn to only display wanted behaviors.
Oh, and seek to isolate the person from outside influences. If the person mentions any outsider questioning the group mindset, vilify that person. Tell the person that individual does not want the person to be happy. That individual is trying to keep the person down. That individual sides with the Enemy and nothing they say can be trusted. Only the Group can be trusted.
The best protectors against this type of brainwashing are strong family and friendship connections, sources of emotional support and validation, social hobbies, reasonable amounts of free time/resources for creative pursuits. In this time of total isolation, social distancing, and overworking to make up for the crumbling economy, it is no wonder fringe groups are gaining traction. Nearly every person has lost a large chunk of their protective influences over the past year.
I’m so sorry you’re going through this. It’s really hard to lose a friend. Especially for a reason totally out of your control. I don’t have any answers but I sympathize with you
In many cases conspiracy theories have an element of truth (especially when the point out at abuses of power), but because of how they are constructed and sustainted over time conspiracy theories are almost by definition wrong.
