How To Get Your Grandmother To Give Up On Conspiracy Theories?

A new analysis suggests that confronting falsehoods is essential, but there are few proven ways to pull them out when someone falls down a conspiracy rabbit hole. The study reviews research on attempts to counteract conspiracy theories and offers a neuroscience-backed guide to approaching loved ones’ conspiratorial ideas. Experts and r/ChangeMyView subreddit moderators offer 10 tips to debunk conspiracy theories convincingly.

Acknowledging the scale of the task is crucial when talking to people who endorse conspiracy theories. Constantly fact-checking conspiracy theories can harden the other side’s views or make people feel attacked. Research shows that endorsement and spreading of conspiratorial content may be associated with worse prejudice toward vulnerable groups, decreased trust in government institutions, and increased fear of the unknown.

Conspiration theories that flourished during the COVID-19 pandemic can be dangerous and can lead to behavior changes. House Democrats and Republicans didn’t agree on much during public hearings held as part of the impeachment inquiry into President Trump. Stephanie, who was usually careful about her health and regular vaccinations, became involved in sharing far-out videos and fringe ideas.

Conspiration theories, such as Pizzagate and QAnon, anti-vaccine claims, and disinformation around the coronavirus, have become a big moment in America. They are driving online chat room conversations and are fueling online chat room conversations. A Virtual Town Hall recorded on March 11th, 2021, with State Senator Liz Krueger and Richard A. Friedman, MD, Professor of Medicine, discussed the growing popularity of conspiracy theories in America.