How to engage in a conversation with a relative supporting conspiracy theories?

  • I heard something once that stuck with me, which is that you may not change your intended audience's viewpoint but you could change the opinions of those around you. Essentially what that means is that if you are able to lay out a strong case for your viewpoint while also keeping your emotions in check, you might have an effect on people around you (like the kids) who see you as a calm and rational person and therefore more trustworthy. This also has the added benefit of making anyone listening in more receptive to your ideas moving forward, and could (if exposed to the ideas enough) change their views over time.

    Sometimes you're just not going to convince someone to stop believing a conspiracy theory; accepting that and trying to constructively argue without any expectation of changing their opinion will be more beneficial for everyone.

    FYI (in case it's not clear) I am fully in support of the science behind the vaccine.

  • They need to be exposed to real information. Try to make a bet with them so they can watch CNN or MSNBC for one week, while you watch FoxNews. Pretend that you're both willing to "understand" the other side. And hope that some of the real info sinks into their head.

  • Seems like you wont accept any answer other than total obedience. I watched most conspiracy theories come true this year so. How you are still peddling hysteria is beyond me. Please kill yourself.