News for hackers. Stuff that matters.
Re:My Father Firmly Believes the Earth Is Flat, How to Help by kthartic on Wednesday September 30, 2020 @06:09AM (#24637125)
This is pure speculation on my part, as I haven't looked into any data to back this up, but I also believe that a lot of conspiracy theorists become conspiracy theorists, whether they realise it or not, for the sense of belonging and community that is perhaps lacking in other areas of their life.

I mean think about it - if you don't have a satisfactory social group, what better way to fill that void than by joining a group of hundreds or thousands that all think and feel the same way as you, and will gladly welcome you with open arms.

It's not about logic, it never was. It's about belonging. A strong enough emotion trumps rationality, just as people refuse to evacuate before a natural disaster because "it's their home".

Re:My Father Firmly Believes the Earth Is Flat, How to Help by perl4ever on Wednesday September 30, 2020 @07:55AM (#24637782)
>if you don't have a satisfactory social group, what better way to fill that void than by joining a group of hundreds or thousands that all think and feel the same way as you

...kthartic posted on HN...

Re:My Father Firmly Believes the Earth Is Flat, How to Help by dontcarethrow2 on Wednesday September 30, 2020 @10:30AM (#24639065)
We just have to encourage each other to think and feel differently. More disagreements are good for healthy discussions..?
Re:My Father Firmly Believes the Earth Is Flat, How to Help by hansvs on Wednesday September 30, 2020 @08:26AM (#24638040)
I agree. After watching 'Behind the Curve' [1], this is the feeling I got from the whole thing.

[1]: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt8132700/