Escaping the Rabbit Hole: How to Debunk Conspiracy Theories Using Facts, Logic, and Respect

Escaping the Rabbit Hole: How to Debunk Conspiracy Theories Using Facts, Logic, and Respect
ISBN-10
151073581X
ISBN-13
9781510735811
Category
Social Science
Pages
296
Language
English
Published
2018-09-18
Publisher
Simon and Schuster
Author
West Mick

Description

“With candor leavened by compassion, West explains why people get sucked into conspiracy theories . . . and yes, even how to help people see the light.” —Amanda Marcotte, author of Troll Nation Here is a conclusive, well-researched, practical reference on why people fall down the conspiracy theory rabbit hole and how you can help them escape (or avoid falling in yourself). Sharing the knowledge and experience he's accumulated debunking false conspiracy theories, Mick West offers a practical guide to helping friends and loved ones recognize these theories for what they really are. Whether it’s that the Earth is flat or actors faked the Sandy Hook massacre, many people passionately believe conspiracy theories that are in fact falsehoods, mistakes, and in some cases, outright lies. They consume countless books and videos, spend hours in like-minded online communities, try to convert those around them, and even, on occasion, alienate their own friends and family. Why is this, and how can you help people, especially those closest to you, break free from the downward spiral of conspiracy thinking? West, founder of the Metabunk forum, sets forth a practical guide to helping friends and loved ones recognize these theories for what they really are. Perhaps counter-intuitively, the most successful approaches to helping individuals escape a rabbit hole aren’t comprised of simply explaining why they are wrong; rather, West’s tried-and-tested approach emphasizes clear communication based on mutual respect, honesty, openness, and patience. He also includes real-life case studies of individuals who, with help, were able to break free from conspiracism. “Read this book, which belongs in every newsroom and congressional office.” —Michael Shermer, publisher of Skeptic magazine and New York Times–bestselling author of The Believing Brain

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