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here are some beef tips to publicly engage with the growing number of ideological conspiracy theorists and their content online. these are based on the assumptions that you have good intentions, understand the relationship, and use tact in conversations
ask conspiracy theorists one question at a time to keep them on track to reveal what they believe and why they believe it. this takes minimal effort and can lead to better understanding, openness to change, or them unraveling the irrationality of their beliefs on their own accord
only engage in conversations that remain primarily based in material reality. when unfounded theories are introduced, demand evidence. not everything can be quantified in a given time, but if there’s no good inductive reasoning, state that this is merely speculation and disengage
if a conspiracy theorist repeatedly acts in bad faith, just reply to their post(s) with corrected facts, sources, and context for potential onlookers, then disengage to avoid going crazy. this can educate and plant seeds with potential onlookers, whether you see it or not
sometimes having a cordial debate only serves to legitimize and amplify conspiracy theorist arguments. not every issue has an equal “both sides” worth platforming into consideration, like a geologist arguing with a flat earther or a neuroscientist arguing with a random blogger
if public conversations with a conspiracy theorist aren't working, private ones may be more productive. if that doesn't work, then blocking, muting, or temporarily distancing may be best, depending on the type of relationship you have with them. people draw this line differently
when all else fails just reply to conspiracy theorists with stock photos of cyber women and corn. the less sense it makes the better
