Buzz
Your friends value your opinion
This trust grants you both influence and accountability. Consider how followers heed celebrities, even when those celebrities lack expertise in the topics they discuss. This dynamic exists on a smaller scale in every community, where certain individuals hold sway over others. It could be your religious leader, physician, parent, fitness instructor, or the colleague who always seems to know the latest rumors and is usually correct. You might not even realize that someone considers you their go-to source for advice, but they’ve been paying attention to your words all along.
In today’s world, if you work in healthcare or have a knack for keeping up with current events, chances are someone views you as a reliable authority. Whether you’re aware of it or not, people are taking your words seriously.
Your words often influence bystanders more than the person you're directly speaking to
Individuals deeply entrenched in conspiracy theories are rarely persuaded easily. No matter how logical your argument, they are likely to become more defensive. This is because conspiracy theories thrive on the idea that they remain valid despite any evidence to the contrary.
For this reason, I recommend addressing misinformation in public forums. If someone messages you privately seeking clarification, carefully consider whether the conversation will be productive. If they are angry and looking for an argument, it’s likely not worth your effort. However, if they are someone significant to you and you believe there’s a chance to change their perspective, the decision is yours.
It’s also worth noting that many silent observers likely haven’t embraced the latest bizarre theory; they simply remain quiet on the matter. For instance, anti-vaccine posts might seem prevalent, but this is because most people who vaccinate their children don’t feel the need to announce it. They don’t post about it any more than they would share mundane daily activities like brushing their teeth. So, if you encounter a lot of misinformation, don’t lose heart.
Start by posing thoughtful questions
Certain misinformation can be countered with straightforward facts. For example, if someone claims that COVID-19 cases are declining in your state, you can present them with the official statistics. If they falsely attribute a statement to the CDC, you can direct them to the CDC’s website where the correct information is clearly stated. In cases like these, factual evidence is effective.
However, more often than not, individuals spreading misinformation are influenced more by the tone or underlying implications of a message than by concrete facts. Before diving into detailed arguments, engage them with open-ended questions and genuinely listen to their responses:
What led you to believe this?
What worries you most about this situation?
You don’t need to use these exact words, but the goal is to ask. This approach helps uncover their deeper concerns, which might not directly relate to the news story they shared—they could be anxious about their family, health, or job security. Don’t hesitate to share your own experiences and concerns as well. By explaining how you reached your conclusions, you might help them reconsider their stance.
Challenge their views respectfully without resorting to insults
Maintaining credibility hinges on being respectful and truthful.
The most effective propaganda often features a composed and confident speaker, exuding calm authority. Skilled propagandists speak softly, allowing others to become agitated and frustrated. Consider the example of Plandemic.
Another reason to remain calm is that these individuals are your friends (or friends of friends, or other observers). Most people simply want to feel understood and have their concerns acknowledged.
Treat your friends kindly. If you plan to share a link debunking their post, consider the tone of the article you select. Our Plandemic post was crafted with this audience in mind—someone who found the video persuasive can read our analysis without feeling attacked. Most of the people you engage with are likely intelligent and well-meaning.
Always be honest. If you don’t know the answer, admit it rather than fabricating a response. If you’ve changed your stance on something in the past, explain why. And if you agree with certain points your friend has made, acknowledge those areas of agreement.
For additional insights on addressing misinformation, explore this article by Liz Neeley on discussing coronavirus with friends, this piece by Tara Haelle on countering propaganda like Plandemic, and the concluding sections of the Conspiracy Theory Handbook.
Motivate them to question things independently
No one enjoys feeling deceived by propaganda, yet ironically, much propaganda claims that you, the audience, are exercising independent thought by engaging with it. It portrays all other sources as the true propaganda.
A bit of critical thinking can make a significant difference. Encourage your friends—and yourself—to consider questions like:
Why do I find this source trustworthy? For instance, if it’s a news site, is it one I’m familiar with?
What are this person’s qualifications and expertise? While no one is an expert in everything, some individuals pretend to be.
How can we verify the accuracy of this information? If the sole source is the video or article itself, or if supporting details come from closely linked sources, isn’t that questionable?
Are we missing crucial context? Sometimes a fact may appear alarming or suggest misconduct, but we lack the full picture. Perhaps the article is outdated, or the cited study pertains to an entirely different subject.
Think of it as a quick intervention
You don’t need to dedicate hours trying to persuade others. Sometimes, simply sharing a brief opinion can be enough to show bystanders that not everyone shares the same view.
Perhaps you have a link, a quick fact, or just a thought to contribute—“I came across that story and found it unconvincing.” Here’s how to proceed:
By doing this, you avoid notifications that drag you back into the discussion. (Try not to revisit the thread to check for replies, either. Your role here is complete.) While your brief comment may not change anyone’s mind, it could influence the tone of the conversation. And who knows—it might inspire someone to engage in some critical thinking on their own.
