Why so many conspiracy theorists and what to do about them

[Patong2021]

30 minutes ago, richard_smith237 said:

 

Agreed, fringe conspiracies like flat earth or moon landing denial are largely harmless - mostly relegated to online nonsense.

 

But...  anti-vaccine conspiracies are a whole different beast. They weaponise half-truths and emotional manipulation to convince people to reject life-saving science.

 

The anti-vax movement distorts facts, exploits fears, and spreads outright lies about vaccine safety, resulting in preventable diseases reemerging and harming / killing vulnerable people.

 

These aren’t just misguided beliefs - they are public health threats. The consequences ripple through society, endangering communities that depend on herd immunity to stay safe.

 

This isn’t just a personal choice - it’s reckless, dangerous, and criminal...  I don't think they should be ignored.

 

I disagree.  First off, let's stop calling them theories. They are  intentional efforts to cause civil disorder and to erode national social cohesion. In effect sabotage. Some people thing it is funny to manipulate and get people upset. Others wish to promote a political agenda. And unfortunately, the majority  originate with foreign agents (Iran, Russia, China) who want there to be  social problems and disruption in western economies. 

 

Almost all are not theories, because they lack factual evidence. Our greatest scientific advances came from theories, and many challenged conventions of the day. They relied on  evidence and honest proof.  Most of the conspiracy claims lack credible factual evidence.  A credible theorist takes ownership of their claim and is willing to defend  it in the appropriate forum. The people who promote the conspiracies almost always hide their identities and refuse to take responsibility  for the damage they cause when they are exposed.

 

The western promoters of the questionable claims almost always have a financial interest in their false claims. Alex Jones who pushed the  false  claims about the  mass murder of children at Sandy Hook school made his money from sales of  dooms day  preparations, and  "health" supplments that he sold to his podcast listeners.  RFK Jr. made his income from filing personal injury lawsuits for people who had false or dubious claims of  vaccine injury.  Others are mentally ill. They are possessed by their obsessions. The mental illness is obvious. Instead of encouraging them, their sabotage and civil  vandalism needs to be terminated.

 

Secondly, the false claims cause serious damage. This is shown by the refusal of some  communities to vaccinate against preventative childhood diseases. The end result is that  everyone else suffers. They prey upon people with limited education and lower than normal intelligence levels. Society punishes those who seek to exploit the intellectually impaired through commercial transactions  , and yet the conspiracy claim promoters take advantage of legal loopholes to do just that. 

[richard_smith237]

7 minutes ago, Patong2021 said:

 

I disagree.  First off, let's stop calling them theories. They are  intentional efforts to cause civil disorder and to erode national social cohesion. In effect sabotage. Some people thing it is funny to manipulate and get people upset. Others wish to promote a political agenda. And unfortunately, the majority  originate with foreign agents (Iran, Russia, China) who want there to be  social problems and disruption in western economies. 

 

Almost all are not theories, because they lack factual evidence. Our greatest scientific advances came from theories, and many challenged conventions of the day. They relied on  evidence and honest proof.  Most of the conspiracy claims lack credible factual evidence.  A credible theorist takes ownership of their claim and is willing to defend  it in the appropriate forum. The people who promote the conspiracies almost always hide their identities and refuse to take responsibility  for the damage they cause when they are exposed.

 

The western promoters of the questionable claims almost always have a financial interest in their false claims. Alex Jones who pushed the  false  claims about the  mass murder of children at Sandy Hook school made his money from sales of  dooms day  preparations, and  "health" supplments that he sold to his podcast listeners.  RFK Jr. made his income from filing personal injury lawsuits for people who had false or dubious claims of  vaccine injury.  Others are mentally ill. They are possessed by their obsessions. The mental illness is obvious. Instead of encouraging them, their sabotage and civil  vandalism needs to be terminated.

 

Secondly, the false claims cause serious damage. This is shown by the refusal of some  communities to vaccinate against preventative childhood diseases. The end result is that  everyone else suffers. They prey upon people with limited education and lower than normal intelligence levels. Society punishes those who seek to exploit the intellectually impaired through commercial transactions  , and yet the conspiracy claim promoters take advantage of legal loopholes to do just that. 

 

I agree.. I'm not sure why you disagreed with me, we singing from a similar hym sheet.... 

 

 

[Tigger01]

On 4/19/2025 at 2:52 AM, EVENKEEL said:

Never gave the moon landing a thought till recently.  Was it faked?

And did the Titanic sink?

[EVENKEEL]

1 hour ago, Tigger01 said:

And did the Titanic sink?

Some say no.

[kwilco]

On 4/19/2025 at 2:52 AM, EVENKEEL said:

Never gave the moon landing a thought till recently.  Was it faked?

best you don't think too much!