To put it in crass words, it’s been amusing to see discussions on “sensitive” topics on HN always use the same formulaic modes of thinking because people are either conditioned or explicitly withholding controversial viewpoints because they think they’ll be punished for it, all the while there’s ego-stroking around the supposed high quality of discussion. It’s like Groundhog Day.

Yes, r/conspiracy is true, as are 4chan and a number of websites that have been banned/taken offline over the years. You’re basically not allowed to question whether or not any of their members’ posts had valid points, lest you become an outcast like them.

The boogeyman for us all is that if we allow all modes of thinking, then the clever trolls will usurp the discussion and drive their own narrative. So we wink and look the other way, unaware that the same outcome has occurred regardless.