HOW TO TALK TO CONSPIRACY THEORISTS
MAY 21, 2021 — HANNAH RICHTER
This past year has seen a ‘new normal’ emerge for everyone around the globe. But while this ‘new normal’ involves social distancing and mask-wearing for some, for others, they believe it is the result of a ‘Plandemic’. The Pew Research Center conducted a survey in June 2020, and found that 36% of Americans who had heard about this ‘Plandemic’ theory say it is ‘definitely’ or ‘probably’ true.
Despite conspiracy theories being prevalent throughout history, evidence suggests that they surge during a societal crisis. And 2020 provided us with the perfect breeding ground for this, with theories ranging from 5G to Bill Gates, a plot by Big Pharma to the virus being created in a Chinese lab. Thus, confined to their homes during lockdown, and with a large amount of spare time on their hands, conspiracy theorists have spent the past year falling further and further down this rabbit hole.
But these theorists are no longer just hiding behind their keyboards, and they aren’t merely strangers on the internet. They are our friends, our family members, our colleagues and acquaintances. They are growing in numbers and spreading misinformation on a daily basis. Although talking to conspiracy theorists about their beliefs can be incredibly difficult and challenging, as we progress to the vaccine rollout stage of the pandemic, having these conversations is becoming increasingly important.
Here we provide a list of tips on how to have these conversations:
1. Be empathetic and respectful
Show honest interest and begin by listening to the person, allowing them to describe the theories they believe in. Find out if there is a reason why they have turned to conspiracy theories, or if they are experiencing grievances in their life that have pushed them to have these beliefs. Listening to them first will also give you a more informed position on what they believe, so you are able to tailor your response.
2. Have private conversations
Message individuals directly, or better yet, have a conversation in person. Claire Wardle from First Draft has a golden rule for speaking to conspiracy theorists: never publicly shame someone for their views, as that will likely backfire.
3. Avoid being dismissive
By presenting yourself as open minded and happy to listen to the person, you can build a level of trust that is necessary to engage in such a difficult conversation. Try not to tell the person their views and opinions are wrong, rather find out what the context is in which they developed these opinions.
4. Understand that conspiracy theories have kernels of truth
Conspiracy theories all start from somewhere, and are usually based on kernels of truth. Agreeing on this can help build trust.
5. Use the Socratic Method
An educational method named after the Greek philosopher, Socratic questioning involves asking questions to provoke reflection and critical thinking from the person. Ensure that you ask questions without judgement, so as to plant seeds of reflection in their heads.
6. Facts, figures and research
Come prepared, and present your research neutrally. Use independent fact-checking websites like Full Fact or PolitiFact. Keep in mind that the person may still refute anything you present them with, no matter how neutrally you do it.
7. Remember that change can take time
Be realistic when talking to a conspiracy theorist, and if trying to make loved ones understand your perspective is impacting your mental health, it might be best to stop having these conversations for now. They could still change over a longer period of time however, so try not to cut off all contact with them and lose your relationship.
8. Everyone is human
Finally, it is important to remember that we are all human, and it is actually very normal to believe in conspiracy theories. No one is immune to them or above them. So continue to have those difficult conversations, if you can, but do so with empathy and respect, and without judgement.
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