. @ConorGallaghe_r has an excellent piece in today's @irishtimes on how to speak to a loved one who is sucked into Covid-19 (or any other conspiracy theory). And theres just a couple of things I'd add... (short thread) https://www.irishtimes.com/news/ireland/irish-news/conspiracy-theorist-i-have-my-own-opinion-on-the-whole-thing-i-research-it-1.4545805?mode=amp

Conspiracy theories are a belief system, they are *not* a rational or coherent construct. People dont *think* they are true they *believe* they're true. Dr @dannagal, a professor of communications explains the difference https://twitter.com/dannagal/status/1347566936796835841?s=20

Your *TONE* is crucial. Sarcasm, mocking, etc is likely to make things worse.

Think of your worst teacher in school, & then think of your best. Who did you learn more from? The sarcastic bullies or the ones who encouraged & supported you?

https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/932592

You need to find out *where* these people are getting their misinformation.

CTers are like a cult/radicalisation, you *cannot* start effectively deprogramming people who are still getting disinformation. BBC's @mariannaspring explains... https://www.bbc.com/news/blogs-trending-54738471

The critical thing is *trust*. Most people attracted to CTs have been badly failed by the system, they're distrustful of anything "official" (MSM & Govt). But Someone who distrusts "Big Pharma" may still trust their own GP.

https://twitter.com/dannagal/status/1347569339403296779?s=20

Finally, patience. You will not convince them with one article or argument. It will take time. If they're getting their disinformation from social media, suggest a "digital detox" (for both of you!) get them *away* from their phone/computer. that's the first step.

I'm not an expert, but if you need/want to learn more, there are thankfully loads on here, @dannagal, @BostonJoan @lizzypearson @AmarAmarasingam @DisinfoEU @_MAArgentino @CindyOtis_ @MelissaRyan, @CCDHate @aoifegall @galwaygrrl @jilliancyork to name a few.

. @sbprme if you’ve got the luxury of not having someone in your life who hasn’t been sucked into this, lucky you, & keep on laughing.

But if you *dont* you’ve no idea how scary it is watching someone you care about fall down these rabbit holes where they are impossible to reach. https://twitter.com/sbprme/status/1385880827196755968