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After this report, I've been inundated with messages from families impacted by online conspiracy theories.
In the spirit of being BBC's conspiracy agony aunt - as much as its specialist disinformation reporter - a thread on another heartbreaking story. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/av/uk-56762061
In the spirit of being BBC's conspiracy agony aunt - as much as its specialist disinformation reporter - a thread on another heartbreaking story. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/av/uk-56762061
A woman got in touch with me about how her dad - in his seventies - has fallen deep down the online conspiracy rabbit hole, especially during lockdown - and is taking her mum with her.
It started with extreme online conspiracies about the Deep State around 5 years ago.
It started with extreme online conspiracies about the Deep State around 5 years ago.
Now he doesn’t think the pandemic is real - and believes vaccines are part of a sinister plot to control everyone.
He is deeply cynical of media And authority - rather than gullible.
Experts recommend trying to understand and address the often legitimate root of that distrust.
He is deeply cynical of media And authority - rather than gullible.
Experts recommend trying to understand and address the often legitimate root of that distrust.
His daughters biggest worry is the real-world harm. Her parents have both been scared off the vaccine by these conspiracies online.
Discussions become heated and confrontational. Experts - and Catherine - say emerging from the rabbit hole takes lots of time and patience.
Discussions become heated and confrontational. Experts - and Catherine - say emerging from the rabbit hole takes lots of time and patience.
One problem is that online conspiracies about one topic can be a gateway into more extreme beliefs.
Her dad now believes in a range of QAnon conspiracies - including that Hilary Clinton eats kids - probably without realising they are linked to QAnon.
Her dad now believes in a range of QAnon conspiracies - including that Hilary Clinton eats kids - probably without realising they are linked to QAnon.
Some who have experienced the impact of conspiracies on their families first-hand recommend questioning.
In this case, asking questions and encouraging critical thinking about these conspiracies will probably help more than just presenting evidence. https://www.bbc.com/news/amp/blogs-trending-54738471
In this case, asking questions and encouraging critical thinking about these conspiracies will probably help more than just presenting evidence. https://www.bbc.com/news/amp/blogs-trending-54738471
This woman’s dad has been sharing videos promoting anti-vaccine claims on the family WhatsApp chat. Including one I investigated for Panorama after it scared 83-year-old Rosemary off the jab.
But even exposing those who spread conspiracies seems to not be enough.
But even exposing those who spread conspiracies seems to not be enough.
What may work here, though, is encouraging someone to interrogate their sources themselves.
Catherine said when she started really doing her own research - and realising bad intentions of those promoting anti-vaccine content online - it opened her eyes. https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m000scy8
Catherine said when she started really doing her own research - and realising bad intentions of those promoting anti-vaccine content online - it opened her eyes. https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m000scy8
Contacting a doctor also didn’t help.
The reoccurring issue is distrust. Distrust in the media, experts, everyone - which is being exploited by those spreading harmful conspiracies online.
For that reason, family can be the best vessel for critical, important conversations.
The reoccurring issue is distrust. Distrust in the media, experts, everyone - which is being exploited by those spreading harmful conspiracies online.
For that reason, family can be the best vessel for critical, important conversations.
This is a huge problem, and I receive messages and emails every week from distraught relatives and friends - as I explain here.
I am investigating this issue - and what happens to those radicalised by conspiracies next. Keep getting in touch. https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/my-crazy-first-year-down-the-conspiracy-theory-rabbit-hole-9bfgkz2p5
I am investigating this issue - and what happens to those radicalised by conspiracies next. Keep getting in touch. https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/my-crazy-first-year-down-the-conspiracy-theory-rabbit-hole-9bfgkz2p5
