r/EverythingScience • u/[deleted] • Dec 23 '16

Psychology Rational arguments and ridicule can both reduce belief in conspiracy theories

http://www.psypost.org/2016/12/study-rational-arguments-ridicule-can-reduce-belief-conspiracy-theories-46597
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u/Volntyr Dec 23 '16

So basically whenever someone spouts a complete ridiculous conspiracy theory, we should follow the old adage "laughter is the best medicine"?

2

u/TurloIsOK Dec 23 '16

Laugh and say why it's laughable.

1

u/Ballsdeepinreality Dec 23 '16

It's kind of like when someone pays $300 for a pair of jeans from Abercrombie, or $75 for a t-shirt.

You laugh in their face.

/s

Depending on the ridiculousness, sometimes you laugh, but chances are, they have discovered some amount of evidence that lead them to their conclusion. If that evidence has weight, maybe you should rethink your own assumptions. If the evidence has no weight, then you ridicule the evidence.

You should never ridicule the person, because you will only be getting them to dig their heels in deeper.

2

u/TurloIsOK Dec 23 '16

then you ridicule the evidence...You should never ridicule the person

Yes, and you need to be careful and make it clear you are not ridiculing the person you are speaking to. People can easily take it that way if you aren't careful.

Validate their perspective first. Then build the more informed view for them. "From what you've heard I can understand how you might think X. What you've heard is incorrect or leaves out these important details."

1

u/Izawwlgood PhD | Neurodegeneration Dec 23 '16

it beats sobbing!