Parallels between fandom conspiracy theorists and religious fundamentalists
Manipulation or misrepresentation of information
Presenting false information as fact
Completely failing to report information that doesnât fit into their belief system
Reliance on logical fallacies
Belief that nothing happens by coincidence
Belief that nothing is as it seems on the surface
Belief that everything is connected
Extreme intensity of the belief
The belief is unfalsifiable to the believer, no matter what
The perceived existence of evil forces
Predicting a future date or happening, at which time they believe that âthe truthâ will come out and be known to all; moving the date forward when that date comes and goes
The subject/object of their belief is viewed as pure, innocent, awe-inspiring, and/or aspirational
Creation of a written doctrine; collected documentation of minutiae that they believe is proof that what they believe is true
Proselytizing to young, isolated, sick, lonely, and/or otherwise vulnerable people to recruit them into the fold
Denigration and condemnation of those who donât believe what they believe, or who criticize their beliefs
Threatening or condoning hatred and/or violence against those who donât believe what they believe, or who criticize their beliefs
I have said this before in years past, but lately I am seeing more posts and getting more anon messages about conspiracists in our fandom. My two cents: it is at best useless and at worst dangerous to engage a conspiracy theorist or a religious fundamentalist in a conversation about facts or evidence in an attempt to change the personâs mind. Being a âbelieverâ is an identity for extremists. Stripping someone of an identity is not only incredibly difficult, but it is potentially harmful to that personâs sense of self if you succeed. While I do find entertainment in the absurd, I do my level best to spread love & truth and not engage with hate & mythology.
blakekathryn
izzy806
andulkaphoto
origamiaround
germansingergirl
gummygunk
