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.

[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.

[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]

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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[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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[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

[Tim Simmons]

good read

[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.

[JackStark211]

Originally Posted by 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.

[Bart]

[Sydneyfan]

Welp, that was compelling. I like how all the big gotcha moments were endlessly repeated. Either the person who made it has some kind of cognitive processing delay, or they think their intended audience does.

Michelle Obama is also part of the Deep State/Muslim/Satanic plot to burn down Notre Dame Cathedral according to the internet.

[Sydneyfan]

You know its legit because they referenced the sauce.

[Sydneyfan]

Still on QAnon......it will be interesting to see whether they lose many believers in the wake of the Mueller report being released. Apparently, the belief was Mueller was actually working for Trump and his report would not only exonerate The Donald, but result in Hillary Clinton and a swathe of other Democrats being arrested for treason.

The social media grifters are going to have to do some extra hard spinning to explain this one away.


Good summary here:

https://www.thedailybeast.com/qanon-...lintons-arrest

[Bart]

Here is what they think is going to happen:





I guess we're gonna have to wait and see...

[Tim Simmons]

fucking lol