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How should you talk to friends and relatives who believe conspiracy theories?

2 points by mellosouls 6y ago

underseacables 6y ago
Simple: with respect. Don’t assume it’s a conspiracy theory, and don’t assume that just because you disagree that your friend is nuts. It’s far too easy to label something you disagree with a conspiracy theory.
- pmdulaney 6y ago
  Yes - there are some understandings that are kind of in a gray area where you really have to do some digging to determine if it is true or not. Just 10 years ago people would have thought you were nuts if you said that the bacteria in your gut influenced your mood and mental health.
chrisbennet 6y ago
First, you have to realize that facts don't change some (most?) peoples minds. [I know, mind blown!] If the person with the crazy ideas doesn't seem to be swayed by facts, just let it go. "Interesting. I need to look into that. Thanks!"
- onecommentman 6y ago
  If they are just friends, not family, or if their beliefs aren’t at risk of screwing up their children’s or grandchildren’s lives, this is an easy deflection as you mention. If you think something more serious might be at risk, ask them to send you a link to more information. You will never have a verbal conversation on any issue of interpretation that will convince someone with facts outside of a courtroom or an conference room...period. You can have a written exchange that is fact-based and that may address the impact such ideas have on those you both care about. Who knows, maybe they have a good point or two. And you probably do too. If you get past two online exchanges and are both interested, then maybe a verbal conversation in order. Or just agree to disagree. You will have more information as to whether this will ever affect those you both care about. If it’s a family get-together in a formal setting, say a dinner table, you can remind everyone about the ban on discussing money, politics and religion. You do have such a ban, I assume. Take out the air horn that you carry for such occasions and place it prominently on the table. Start the conversation with something like “So, did you hear the Pope was caught shoplifting the book How to Hack Voting Machines for Fun and Profit” to lighten the mood and then ask a question to get the conversation on family matters..a new baby is always a go-to. Keep the air horn out unless Grandma or a thundering herd of aunts ask you to put it away. Believe me, everyone will appreciate your gesture. It’s jokey and serious enough to be effective. Depending on the family, maybe silly string would work, but it might get on the turkey. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Silly_String https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Silly_String

2 points by mellosouls 6y ago

Simple: with respect. Don’t assume it’s a conspiracy theory, and don’t assume that just because you disagree that your friend is nuts. It’s far too easy to label something you disagree with a conspiracy theory.

pmdulaney 6y ago
Yes - there are some understandings that are kind of in a gray area where you really have to do some digging to determine if it is true or not. Just 10 years ago people would have thought you were nuts if you said that the bacteria in your gut influenced your mood and mental health.

chrisbennet 6y ago

First, you have to realize that facts don't change some (most?) peoples minds. [I know, mind blown!] If the person with the crazy ideas doesn't seem to be swayed by facts, just let it go. "Interesting. I need to look into that. Thanks!"

onecommentman 6y ago
If they are just friends, not family, or if their beliefs aren’t at risk of screwing up their children’s or grandchildren’s lives, this is an easy deflection as you mention. If you think something more serious might be at risk, ask them to send you a link to more information. You will never have a verbal conversation on any issue of interpretation that will convince someone with facts outside of a courtroom or an conference room...period. You can have a written exchange that is fact-based and that may address the impact such ideas have on those you both care about. Who knows, maybe they have a good point or two. And you probably do too. If you get past two online exchanges and are both interested, then maybe a verbal conversation in order. Or just agree to disagree. You will have more information as to whether this will ever affect those you both care about. If it’s a family get-together in a formal setting, say a dinner table, you can remind everyone about the ban on discussing money, politics and religion. You do have such a ban, I assume. Take out the air horn that you carry for such occasions and place it prominently on the table. Start the conversation with something like “So, did you hear the Pope was caught shoplifting the book How to Hack Voting Machines for Fun and Profit” to lighten the mood and then ask a question to get the conversation on family matters..a new baby is always a go-to. Keep the air horn out unless Grandma or a thundering herd of aunts ask you to put it away. Believe me, everyone will appreciate your gesture. It’s jokey and serious enough to be effective. Depending on the family, maybe silly string would work, but it might get on the turkey. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Silly_String https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Silly_String