What can we do for friends and loved ones drawn in by reactionary conspiracy theories?
What can we do for friends and loved ones drawn in by reactionary conspiracy theories?
Someone I am very close to has become increasingly isolated. She doesn't want to do anything except watch "documentaries" like this one: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KfzupXBlrIU She doesn't want to socialize, because "no one understands what's really going on." She mentioned recently that she has a Telegram account, so I'm assuming that's where at least some of this garbage is coming from. I'm worried about her. Her life is already hard, and this stuff is making her paranoid and more isolated than she already was.
Is there anything that helps bring people out of this?? I have my own radical ideas, but they are about the need to abolish capital and the State. This person has never really responded to leftist politics when I've brought it up, but maybe I need to try again. Any help or advice? I really worry about her.
One tip I heard was asking “how” questions as follow-ups, rather than “what” questions? It tends to encourage people to think through how the conspiracies might actually work, rather than just jumping from point A to point B.
Great answer, what I'm struggling with is I just had a kid last year and my apathy for friends and family pushing conspiracies jumped to 100% real fast. I found it easier and less stressful to not bring them into my household, much less allow them around the baby.
In my experience pure reasoning doesn't really work in that situation. People seek conspiracy theories to acquire a sense of order, predictability, and self worth. You're special because you're part of the special group that knows the true shape of the world. Ultimately, they seek love and validation, and the most effective intervention must start simply by providing them with those things they lack.
I followed closely a friend with schizophrenia and that helps me understand certain behaviors. Confronting them directly is usually pointless. I only wanted to be a good friend and show my care and affection for him. I did suggest him ways to improve but I backed away at any sign of resistance. You don't wanna counter him at every step, but only when they show an openness to listen. I mean, if you wanted to tear down a wall, you wouldn't start by hitting where it's stronger, right? You would probably look for the weak spots. If and when your friend let their guard down, then you can gently intervene. Other than that, just show them love, and have the patience to understand that they'll only change in their own time. If ever.