Conspiracy theories aren’t a recent phenomenon; they’ve been around for ages. People have always prepared for doomsday scenarios, whether it was a zombie apocalypse or an alien takeover. However, the difference is that in the past, those who peddled these theories relied on books, articles, and good old-fashioned word of mouth. Nowadays, with the internet at their fingertips, believers can disseminate falsehoods faster than you can say “Trump lost, you misguided individual.” It’s alarming to witness respected members of our lives succumb to the depths of conspiracy thinking, often leaving little hope for their return to reality.
Our family members, neighbors, and even some partners have become entrenched in absurd narratives propagated by so-called experts on platforms like YouTube, disregarding credible scientific evidence. They claim the election was stolen, that celebrities engage in horrific acts, and that COVID-19 is a hoax. The idea of the vaccine? Completely rejected.
We wish we could help them, but often we find ourselves forced to distance ourselves instead. Whether you’re grieving the loss of a friendship because your once-close pal has spiraled into QAnon beliefs or you’re relieved that your mother-in-law’s outlandish claims have given you a reason to exclude her from family events, these bizarre stories have touched us all in some way.
All we can do is hope that these “sheeple” who adore conspiracy theories will eventually “wake up,” as they often urge us to do. If not, humanity may truly be in jeopardy.
Recently, I was excited to catch up with a friend from afar, but instead of a pleasant chat, I endured two hours of conspiracy drivel. It was incredibly disheartening.
Confessions of the Affected
Confessional #25826981: I used to talk to my older brother almost every day, but since he dove headfirst into COVID conspiracy theories, it’s been six months of silence. His messages now are filled with insults because I “follow the herd.” It breaks my heart.
Confessional #25826281: My brother was my best friend until last year when he fell into bizarre conspiracy nonsense. I had to sever all ties. It’s tragic how such irrational beliefs can destroy relationships.
Confessional #25824638: My spouse and I can’t see eye to eye anymore. He’s become consumed by conspiracy theories and is more politically charged than ever when he used to be indifferent. I hardly recognize him after 12 years.
Confessional #25820457: As much as we might joke about the conspiracy-laden rhetoric, the reality is that these lies are damaging. Their belief in these fantasies means our relationships will never be the same—a heartbreaking truth.
Confessional #25826720: I secretly delight when my teenage son puts his dad in check. Last night, when his father started spouting conspiracy theories again, my son told him, “Shut up, Dad. Seriously, you sound ridiculous.” Love that kid!
Confessional #25819353: A friend constantly shares conspiracy-laden YouTube videos and then asks for my opinion. Honestly? I think it’s absurd.
Confessional #25817643: I went to buy a pastry today and was cornered by two mask-denying employees who tried to persuade me that everything was a vast conspiracy. They yelled at me for 20 minutes—I never even got my treat. What lunacy!
Confessional #25818546: My spouse just revealed he’s a conspiracy theorist, and we haven’t been on good terms since. He believes school shootings are staged. How can people think this way? I tried to be understanding, but it’s just nonsensical.
It’s tough to be in the same space with individuals who genuinely believe in these outrageous claims. Their words sound like gibberish, and I often want to say, “Seriously, stop talking. No one is taking you seriously.”
Confessional #25826709: My in-laws have been vaccinated, and as we approach the second dose, their anti-vaccine aunt is wondering why no Easter plans have been made. Well, we’re not exposing our children to your risky choices or conspiracy theories. Goodbye!
Confessional #25826572: My husband’s aunt thinks COVID is fake and refuses vaccination. My mother-in-law has declared that only vaccinated adults can join family gatherings, and the aunt is now bombarding my husband with conspiracy theories. I can’t wait to see her reaction when she learns he’s already vaccinated.
Confessional #25825191: I’m growing weary of my anti-vax, anti-mask, conspiracy-loving friend. Wake up! I’m exhausted from her nonsense; she might just be losing it.
The year 2020 brought the worst out of people, merging conspiracy theorists with a pandemic, leading to a surge of anti-maskers and anti-vaxxers. While we adhered to social distancing and mask protocols, people like Aunt Carol were spewing ridiculous COVID myths, which led to her permanent exclusion from family gatherings. Bye, Aunt Carol.
We had to cut off my husband’s aunt due to her extreme conspiracy theories regarding COVID and Trump. I don’t want that kind of madness around my children.
Confessional #25819312: I can’t look at some friends the same way after their ridiculous conspiracy posts on social media. Trump lost! Get over it! Now they’re claiming Biden has dementia and Harris was a call girl. Enough already!
Confessional #25819257: I find some amusement in my former friend attempting to downplay her conspiracy theorist past on social media over the last year and a half.
Confessional #25822523: My spouse has turned into a conspiracy theorist and has become extremely political. I’m a progressive, and after over 20 years of marriage and two kids, we’re now separated. He refuses to wear a mask and flaunts his disregard for safety on social media. Why can’t he see the danger?
This pandemic has transformed everything—shattering friendships, marriages, and relationships permanently. It’s impossible to view a spouse, sibling, or close friend the same way again once they dive into QAnon nonsense or support someone who continues to lament his electoral defeat months after the election.
For better or worse, the last four years, paired with the pandemic, have unearthed bizarre conspiracy theories that defy logic, yet people cling to them. And so, we must bid farewell as they plunge deeper into the rabbit hole of QAnon, much to our dismay.
Goodbye, Uncle Pete. We won’t be saving you a seat at Thanksgiving this year.
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Summary
Conspiracy theories have proliferated in recent years, particularly fueled by the internet. Many individuals have fallen down the rabbit hole of absurd beliefs, leading to strained relationships and broken friendships. As families grapple with these changes, the hope remains that those caught in the grip of misinformation will eventually awaken to reality.