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Conspiracy theories about vaccines injecting microchips and satanic paedophiles eating babies could come up at real - or virtual - Christmas dinner.
Worlds apart from legitimate policy concerns.
I spoke to experts and former believers for tips! https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/blogs-trending-55350794
Conspiracy theories about vaccines injecting microchips and satanic paedophiles eating babies could come up at real - or virtual - Christmas dinner. Worlds apart from legitimate policy concerns.
I spoke to experts and former believers for tips! https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/blogs-trending-55350794
You're dreading the moment.
As your uncle passes the roast potatoes, he casually mentions that a coronavirus vaccine will be used to inject microchips into our bodies - or that coronavirus doesnât exist or brings up QAnon.
What can you do - without spoiling Christmas?
As your uncle passes the roast potatoes, he casually mentions that a coronavirus vaccine will be used to inject microchips into our bodies - or that coronavirus doesnât exist or brings up QAnon.
What can you do - without spoiling Christmas?
The recent rules changes have upended holiday plans for many of us, but you still may find yourself grappling with such situations over the next few days - talking not about legitimate political questions and debates, but outlandish plots and fictions.
Hereâs some advice
Hereâs some advice
Keep calm While it's important to confront falsehoods, it's never useful if things end up in a flaming row.
âMy number one rule would be to not spoil Christmas," says @MickWest "An angry, heated conversation will... further cement conspiracy beliefs."
Catherine from the Isle of Wight understands better than most that itâs best to stay calm - as she used to believe antivaxx conspiracy theories.
"Whoever you're talking to is often just as passionate as you are about your own beliefs and will defend them to the grave."
"Whoever you're talking to is often just as passionate as you are about your own beliefs and will defend them to the grave."
Donât be dismissive "Approach conversations with friends and family with empathy rather than ridicule," says @cward1e
Her golden rule is: never publicly shame someone for their views. That's likely to backfire.
Psychologist Jovan Byford suggests identify legitimate concerns.
Remember that people often believe conspiracy theories because deep down, they're worried or anxious. Try to understand those feelings - particularly in a year like the one we've just had - he advises.
Remember that people often believe conspiracy theories because deep down, they're worried or anxious. Try to understand those feelings - particularly in a year like the one we've just had - he advises.
Encourage critical thinking People who believe conspiracy theories often say: "I do my own research."
The problem is that their research tends to consist of watching fringe YouTube videos, following random people on Facebook, and cherry-picking evidence from Twitter.
But the spirit of doubt that pervades the conspiracy-minded internet is actually a key opening for rational thought, says Jovan Byford.
"People who believe in conspiracy theories see themselves as healthy sceptics ... Present this as something that, in principle, you value.â
"People who believe in conspiracy theories see themselves as healthy sceptics ... Present this as something that, in principle, you value.â
That's what helped Phil from Belfast. @SkepOfTheNorth used to be big into 9/11 conspiracies.
"I used to point out the fact that there were various experts who doubted official stories. This was very persuasive to me. "Why would these experts lie?" He explained.
"I used to point out the fact that there were various experts who doubted official stories. This was very persuasive to me. "Why would these experts lie?" He explained.
But then he began applying scepticism not to just "official sources" but also the alternative "experts" that was listening to.
He developed a deeper understanding of the scientific method and scepticism itself. Just because one expert believes something, doesn't make it true.
He developed a deeper understanding of the scientific method and scepticism itself. Just because one expert believes something, doesn't make it true.
Ask questionsFact-checking is important, but it's often not the right approach when someone passionately believes in conspiracies. Questions are much more effective than assertions, experts say.
âFocusing on the tactics and techniquesâ is important says @cward1e
Think of general queries that encourage people to reflect on what they believe.
Are some beliefs contradictory? Do the details of the theory they're describing make sense? Have they thought about counter-evidence?
@SkepOfTheNorth says this opened him up to alternative views.
Are some beliefs contradictory? Do the details of the theory they're describing make sense? Have they thought about counter-evidence?
@SkepOfTheNorth says this opened him up to alternative views.
Donât expect immediate resultsYou might be hoping that a constructive conversation will end with some kind of epiphany over Christmas pudding - but don't bet on it.
"Be realistic about what you can achieve," psychologist Jovan Byford warns.
This year has been scary - and for many, conspiracy theories have been a source of comfort - adds @cward1e.
"Conspiracy theories tend to be simple, powerful stories that explain the world. Reality is complex and messy, which is harder for our brains to process."
"Conspiracy theories tend to be simple, powerful stories that explain the world. Reality is complex and messy, which is harder for our brains to process."
But the experts agree that even if you don't see immediate results - don't give up!
Get in touch by DM or email if you have friends or relatives impacted by conspiracies - and if you try using any of this advice.
Again - worlds away from legitimate debate and policy concerns.
Get in touch by DM or email if you have friends or relatives impacted by conspiracies - and if you try using any of this advice.
Again - worlds away from legitimate debate and policy concerns.
Receiving lots of lovely emails from those who have found this report helpful.
Very revealing about the real world impact viral conspiracy theories are having - including closer to home!
Keep getting in touch
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Very revealing about the real world impact viral conspiracy theories are having - including closer to home!
Keep getting in touch
[email protected]
