So, the rise of conspiracy theories.....

[Sydneyfan]

What's that all about? They seem to be on the rise around the world and while the hard right appears to embrace them more enthusiastically than the left at the moment, they exist across the political spectrum.

Is Trump a factor? Or is he symptom rather than a cause? Perhaps they've always been this prevalent, but social media just brings them to the public arena? Interested in your thoughts.

[Sydneyfan]

And also interested in hearing from anyone that believes that at least some "conspiracy theories" are actually facts the powers that be are attempting to disguise.

[Tim Simmons]

I've always thought that people who buy into this stuff do because life is overwhelming. Especially in this day and age. So much info to process. On top of that people are so segmented, yet connected digitally. Buying into this stuff gives you a base to find some sort of stability, understanding, and possibly comfort. Something that makes sense of a crazy, constantly changing world.

[Sydneyfan]

Originally Posted by Tim Simmons

I've always thought that people who buy into this stuff do because life is overwhelming. Especially in this day and age. So much info to process. On top of that people are so segmented, yet connected digitally. Buying into this stuff gives you a base to find some sort of stability, understanding, and possibly comfort. Something that makes sense of a crazy, constantly changing world.

Yeah, I can definitely see that. Most conspiracy theories are based around a secret or some kind of hidden knowledge. "Knowing" the secret makes you superior to the vast majority of less enlightened people. You're part of the select few. Which would be a comforting, empowering feeling when the world seems otherwise overwhelming.

[Sydneyfan]

I also wonder if some don't use it as an excuse. Not the success you hoped to be in life? Feel like the odds are stacked against you?

Well, the good news is none of that is your fault. The odds (the government, Deep State, Illuminati etc) really are actively working against you and your potential for success.

[Tim Simmons]

Also, some people are just dumb and don’t want to think too much.

[Tim Simmons]

At the end of the day, looking at everything through Occam's razor gives you the most balanced starting point for any theory or perspective.

[Tim Simmons]

Both excellent and probably true points.

[andyo812]

Trump surely perpetuates the behavior given his own participation in conspiracies and fringe beliefs. He literally said two weeks ago that the sound from windmills causes cancer.

QAnon is a trip. I’m trying to think if I know of any similar groups that have formed for other elected officials.

I also would echo the factors of disdain in elements of ones own life and a desire for community as similarities between conspiracy believers and those who outright support bad actors, i.e RA.





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[Sydneyfan]

Originally Posted by andyo812

QAnon is a trip.



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QAnon seems like the ultimate wet dream for conspiracy theorists. There's the whole "who is Q?" mystery, and the "info dumps" are so hilariously vague followers can interpret them a million ways to suit themselves. So, even when they are proven to be wrong, they might still be right because the believers just read them the wrong way.

It's almost like conspiracy theorist fanfiction - which might explain the obsession with violence and sexual deviancy.

[Sydneyfan]

This is not a bad read about the social isolation of QAnon supporters. It mirrors one of the points Tim made earlier.

https://www.thedailybeast.com/christ...for-qanon-fans

[roscoe]

Originally Posted by Sydneyfan

This is not a bad read about the social isolation of QAnon supporters. It mirrors one of the points Tim made earlier.

https://www.thedailybeast.com/christ...for-qanon-fans

Chrissakes, these people are mad as a bag of cats...

[Sydneyfan]

As easy as they are to laugh at, I just hope all the QAnon nonsense doesn't end badly. 99% of believers are probably totally harmless. But there's already been a case of a guy shooting up a pizza restaurant because of the Pizzagate conspiracy. I mean, if you really believed that your country was in danger of being controlled by corrupt pedophile satanists, it might cross your mind to do something drastic about it.

[thebalvenie]

i couldn't finish that flat earth doc on netflix.
too much stupid

[JackStark211]

Originally Posted by thebalvenie

i couldn't finish that flat earth doc on netflix.
too much stupid

What was it called?

[Tim Simmons]

Behind the curve.

[andyo812]

Rogan did a good pod with a guy named Mick West who is a conspiracy theory debunker. It was interesting since Joe was previously way into many conspiracies. Nowadays i think he’s only marginally a believer of the multiple shooter theory for JFK but not much else, but regardless it was interesting.


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[Tim Simmons]

good read

[Tim Simmons]

fucking lol

[andyo812]

i still can’t believe Timbrh is a 911 inside job guy

good times


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[Tim Simmons]

the 9/11 stuff is insanity.

If a government was so evil that they needed to kill 2000 people and destroy a couple of buildings to justify going to war for oil, why wouldn't they just go to war for oil? Because if they certainly don't care about the lives of thousands of americans, why would they care about their opinion of just going to war to take oil?

[Sydneyfan]

Yep. Not to mention the number of people who would have had to know about it and help carry out the plan. Best kept big secret ever.

[lukin]

Originally Posted by Tim Simmons

the 9/11 stuff is insanity.

If a government was so evil that they needed to kill 2000 people and destroy a couple of buildings to justify going to war for oil, why wouldn't they just go to war for oil? Because if they certainly don't care about the lives of thousands of americans, why would they care about their opinion of just going to war to take oil?

Just stop it with logic, ok?


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[Sydneyfan]

When conspiracy theorists decide to science.

Spoiler:

[Sydneyfan]

Does wood burn? Did he just have a 300 year old timber beam lying about in his backyard? So many questions.....