Why do conspiracy theorists go on at length about it all the time?

[AquamarineBalloon]

I’ve just been on a taxi journey during which the driver went on and on about his conspiracy theories for the whole journey, doing his own research, etc. I just acknowledged he was speaking but didn’t offer any response or engagement but the lecture continued for the whole trip (which was thankfully relatively short).

I hold opinions about various things but unless I’m specifically asked what I think, or having a conversation on that topic, I don’t feel the need to go on at length about them to other people.

He’s entitled to his view (however baseless and ridiculous) but why the lecture?

AIBU?

I think once you've opened the door to believing things that aren't objectively true, that don't have a solid evidentiary base, then why not believe lots of things that aren't objectively ticket true and don't have a solid evidentiary base?

And it's that door that the people who seek to manipulate walk through.

I think people who believe conspiracy theories have been brainwashed and programmed by listening to and watching NLP techniques designed to manipulate them.

Most of it looks ridiculous written down in print. It needs the verbal repetition.

It is repeated, across Telegram BitChute and all the other platforms

Repeating this twattery reinforces their beliefs and gives the opportunity for embellishment every time it's reiterated

My dad is autistic, I have autistic tendencies and I know quite a few people who are autistic and IME some people (emphasis on some) who are autistic or who have trouble understanding some aspects of how the world works have a tendency towards believing conspiracy theories because it helps to explain some of the things they don't understand. Struggling to understand the world can make you quite paranoid because people seem to do things that don't make sense or things happen that you can't quite explain so it can be tempting to resort to elaborate explanations as a sort of comfort. People repeat conspiracy theories because it relieves the stress they're feeling - it's a sort of compulsion. It's very annoying to be on the receiving end of endless conspiracy theory spouting but I do have compassion for people who do it (up to a point) because it indicates a high level of anxiety.

Ah yes, that was it! Thank you!

I remember them as disparate group of misfits who'd banded together to create a lovely community and were prepared to use actual scientific principles to prove their (insane) point. Although they were quick to abandon the scientific method when it proved them wrong!

Yeah @Gingernaut. I think the repetition is really important. I often can't tell if people are evangelising or keeping their own programming up.

My dad read The Telegraph for decades but calls it "a comic" these days and "another British institution destroyed by bullshit".

Love it @Hubblebubble ! Actually bicarbonate of soda is a good substitute for toothpaste. It does taste vile mind you .Didnt people use coal dust in the old days ? I think we should encourage conspiracy nuts to use coal. Might make them easier to spot.