We need a mechanism to separate academic inquiry from a political tactic that disguises itself as academic inquiry. Unfortunately, the courtesy of extending good faith by default has been heavily exploited, so out of strategic necessity many assume bad faith by default. Naturally, this assumption should be revised once somebody proves that they're actually interested in details rather than fighting. If we had alternative methods of proving "seriousness" (e.g. academic credentials in academic settings), we could sidestep the requirement, but here on the internet it probably has to be this way.

It's a pity, but no, it's not the same as antimask/antivax rhetoric.