How To Put An End To Conspiratorial Ideas?

A new review reveals that only some methods to counteract conspiracy beliefs are effective. To counteract these beliefs, one should start by asking the facts about the conspiracy and personalize the subject to invoke emotion. Personalizing the subject can also help in debunking conspiracy theories.

Experts and r/ChangeMyView subreddit moderators offer 10 tips to debunk conspiracy theories convincingly and kindly. Intellectual humility is crucial for avoiding irrational belief in conspiracy theories. People who believe in conspiracy theories aren’t stupid or gullible; anyone can fall prey to a false belief. It takes patience, respect, and open dialogue to get people to change their minds.

Being open-minded starts with asking questions and listening, building understanding with the person. Listen carefully and avoid defending your own beliefs. Ask questions about the conspiracy theories that flourished during the COVID-19 pandemic and how they can be dangerous.

The spread of misinformation has seemed more contagious than COVID-19. Direct counterarguments attempt to confront conspiracy beliefs after people have been exposed to them. As the novel coronavirus spread, so did the idea that 5G networks were to blame or Bill Gates or a ring of satanic pedophiles. People’s first instinct when engaging with conspiracy believers is often to try and debunk their ideas with factual and authoritative evidence.

Conspiration theories are a popular topic of conversation, with research showing that almost half of Americans believe in at least one conspiracy.