Mum reading shit online and freaking out

[CatsArePeople]

She phones me every day. She has Facebook friends who post alarmist things (let's say semi-reasonable alt media) then and entire lot of nutjobs comment with utter nonsense, and she's losing her mind.
Today:
"Its written in the Bible!"
"What's written?"
"The war will start in Europe real soon, auntie's neighbour posted. Make sure you stockpile food at home."

Mum is not really religious. Doesn't even have a Bible. But she has Facebook.

what am I supposed to do here?

Nod sagely then just ignore her? I guess she is unlikely to listen to reason?

Send her some laughing faces emojis?

Buy her a book on fake news/internet conspiracies?

Tell her to get off Facebook. Did she teach you don’t believe everything you read? Remind her of that.

Maybes she’s just lonely and anxious.

Tell her to stop being so fucking ridiculous.

Things I already did -
1 - asked her to stop sending crap my way. I also have facebook, twitter, and i've already watched my share of Qanon and co. Enough is enough.
2 - told her to go read a book, watch a decent film, knit something. Get that Bible and read it for yourself afterall. But nope - "you need to know what is really happening in the world".
3 - she isn't exactly lonely, but she lost her dogs last year and has significantly more time to spend online rather than going for walks.

I have to pretend that i'm busy and I "only have 5 minutes today".

To actually talk like that is assume someone had learning or mental health issues

she isn't exactly lonely, but she lost her dogs last year and has significantly more time to spend online rather than going for walks

...I don't suppose a puppy would help?

Seriously though...re her mental health, do you think she's OK?

..I don't suppose a puppy would help?

Nope. She just does not have the same kind of energy like nearly 17 years ago (those dogs both were 16).

Seriously though...re her mental health, do you think she's OK?

Not ok at all. She has clinical depression and takes meds. But she has done that for years. But then she had other interests than Facebook or youtube. This is a new "hobby".
My dad is into the same but he's keeping to himself and not overreacting like that.

Ah, ok. It sounds like could be getting genuinely anxious about what she's reading in which case I wonder if it's worth her having a review with a gp?

Although I was being tongue in cheek re the puppy, if her physical health is alright generally (even if not up to a new dog!) I wonder if she could look at volunteering at a dog shelter or even signing up to borrow my doggy?

Borrow my doggy means you get to walk and play with other people's dogs with an agreed schedule that works for both parties.

I was about to suggest she does some dog walking.

I'm hoping she will eventually warm up to an idea to rescue an older dog.
Now though... climate change and covid not helping.

I know almost all about "how to safeguard your children from inappropriate online content" but can't really put a parental control an a parent.

@nitsandwormsdodger

To actually talk like that is assume someone had learning or mental health issues

It that she's a certain type of Christian.

Some I know believe exactly the same thing.

Cinnamon trust another option for fostering or walking a dog.

It that she's a certain type of Christian.

Not at all. She has zero interest in faith, never read the Bible. But if somebody sent her a meme with a quote... the shit must be for real
She has an entire friendship group egging each other on like that.

Older dog? Book club? Stitch and bitch? Is she on any new meds?

Honestly I’d go with don’t be so bloody stupid you can’t seriously believe this bollocks ?