[clairity]

this is really misunderstanding the dynamics of belief. from climate change to covid lockdowns to election results, what's going on are quintessentially political acts: trying to coerce the world into being the way you (i, we) want it to be by spouting what you (i, we) want to be true, not necessarily what you (i, we) actually believe to be true (which you may not even be cognizant of because you haven't self-examined enough on the topic).

supposing validation--or even worse, idiocy, ignorance, or idolotry--as motivation for rhetoric/belief, is really just adding fog to the theater, not clarity. you won't understand the world better through such beliefs.

[smt88]

70% of Republicans believe the election was stolen. They can't all be cynical, bad actors.

[clairity]

sure, some earnestly believe the election was stolen, but that's probably <1%.

most realize that, regardless of belief, saying it was stolen (and reciting the popular but dubious evidence) is how to keep the issue at the fore. they do so because the result was painful and want others to share in and console (even remedy) these feelings of loss. this attention and response is worth the relative deception in their personal calculus.

we all exaggerate this way from time to time in our social interactions. a significant part of our brain is dedicated to detecting and countering (and creating) deception for a reason.

a similar phenomenon happens with pro-maskers, where the practical utility of masks is actually pretty limited in time and (social) space. most vocal advocates don't really care/know if they work (particularly when and where they work); what's desired is (public) compliance, to soothe fears and anxieties, hence relatively forceful affirmations of belief around them (this has a negative net effect, because it takes away critical mindshare from distancing, which is much more broadly useful and effective).