[lampshades]

What a horribly written article. Not the content, just the structure and flow.

In other news, I’m a very big believer in what many would consider “conspiracy theories” and it’s been nothing but detrimental to my life. I wish I was like the rest of you and didn’t believe them.

[escapedmoose]

Everybody probably believes in at least one or two. Do you believe in an above-average number of them, or are there one or two conspiracy theories that you think are specifically detrimental to your life?

[lampshades]

I believe in an above average amount. Honestly, they used to all be pretty detrimental, but now that half the country has has lost trust in the ruling class, it’s become easier for me.

I’d like to mention I do not believe in obvious psyops like flat Earth or birds not being real or Q anon.

[etherael]

Birds not being real? What on earth?

[lampshades]

Yeah, it’s a thing. And some people actually believe it.

[kennend3]

I'm not a conspiracy theory type of person but know a few people who are.

My advice to them is to practice "critical thinking". A fairly easy approach should be to recognize your "confirmation bias' and curiosity and feed that by actively looking for contradictory evidence.

Too often conspiracy theory types seek out evidence to further support their views, without looking at anything else.

I know it is easier said than done, but it is a start.

[lampshades]

Critical thinking is what got me into this situation. :P

[kennend3]

Not considering all the evidence, but only evidence which supports your view causes this. If you are unwilling/unable to debate the other side of an issue, you haven't looked into it enough.

Personally I think the COVID19 vax is the correct action to take, i have also read at least one of the "anti-vax bibles" to get an idea of their views (I found it mostly misinformation)

You mention you are not a "flat earther", why is that? What made you decide that this "theory" was wrong, yet you support others?

Lets look at an example of serous conversations people have had with me: "Flat earth theory."

OK, do you believe in gravity? Given gravity is uniform, this generally should lead to round objects in space. Do you agree or disagree with this statement?

So they argue about Gravity... and if it is "real"..

Go to the sink, get water, pour it slowly, what shape is formed.. explain in scientific terms why it is round, but the earth is not....(surface tension, minimum surface area). Could this force impact planets as well absent "Gravity"?

What other planet in the universe is "flat" besides the earth?...