Arguments
None of this is expert advice. It's what people worked out for themselves, usually the hard way — what actually helped, and what they'd tell someone standing where you are. Take what fits and leave the rest.
If you only read a few
Recognize that conspiracy theories may serve as a coping mechanism or a way to blame others for a difficult life.
Life seems simpler when external forces are blamed, and it provides something to blame for a shitty lot in life.
one person who lived it
Ask the person to teach you about their topic; one approach that helped was having children explain school work, which forced them to think through problems they didn't fully understand.
It helps them understand the problem by thinking about how to explain it.
one person who lived it
Admit when you do not have an answer to avoid causing others to believe falsehoods.
To prevent making anyone believe anything that is not true.
one person who lived it
Accept that you cannot enlighten anyone who is not seeking enlightenment.
This is described as a universal truth.
one person who lived it
Unsubscribe from YouTubers who sound smart but contain errors in topics you know about.
Knowing their coverage of familiar topics is full of flaws makes you lose faith in everything.
one person who lived it
Ask the person to explain their theory further by stating you cannot wrap your mind around it.
This stimulates their skepticism and requires you to listen more.
one person who lived it
State your conclusion without providing reasons or justifications to remove premises that can be attacked.
Presenting a 'because' creates an argument that can be challenged.
- It is considered rude.
one person who lived it
Argue to protect others by forcing consideration of balanced perspectives and requiring defense of claims.
The argument is often about protecting others rather than changing the opponent's mind.
one person who lived it
Enthusiastically agree that the other person's suggestion would be convenient, then immediately pivot to your own plan.
Acknowledging their method as superior (if it worked) prevents them from doubling down, whereas sarcasm often causes them to reiterate their point.
one person who lived it
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Understand that doubters often strengthen a theorist's belief because the theory includes mechanisms to explain away skepticism.
Theories have built-in mechanisms for dealing with doubters, so the existence of doubters strengthens the 'conspiracy' aspect.
one person who lived it
Frame requirements as institutional or advisor mandates rather than personal preferences to remove opinion from the discussion.
It prevents others from arguing against your opinion.
one person who lived it