It’s not Alex Jones who is the problem it’s the people who LISTEN to Alex Jones that we should be worried about. There are always going to be insane people in the world, but when millions listen to an insane guy and think he makes sense we have a problem.
The end result of 3 decades of the GOP enabling the uneducated, raising their hopes to become as rich as the Eastern Elites while at the same time destroying our public education system vouchers for “alternative systems”; with charter schools, keeping teacher pay almost at the poverty level, denigrating the educated, arranging a system of college financing that leaves far too many in unending debt, and making “my opinion” equal to fact or at the least “alternative fact”. Looking at the rise of evangelism is another discussion.Until we recognize these fallacies we are doomed to the Alex Jones mentality .
The Psychology of Conspiracy Theories by Karen M. Douglas, Robbie M. Sutton, Aleksandra Cichocka
Abstract: What psychological factors drive the popularity of conspiracy theories, which explain important events as secret plots by powerful and malevolent groups? What are the psychological consequences of adopting these theories? We review the current research and find that it answers the first of these questions more thoroughly than the second. Belief in conspiracy theories appears to be driven by motives that can be characterized as epistemic (understanding one’s environment), existential (being safe and in control of one’s environment), and social (maintaining a positive image of the self and the social group). However, little research has investigated the consequences of conspiracy belief, and to date, this research does not indicate that conspiracy belief fulfills people’s motivations. Instead, for many people, conspiracy belief may be more appealing than satisfying. Further research is needed to determine for whom, and under what conditions, conspiracy theories may satisfy key psychological motives.
9/11 was an inside job!!!The Dems are running a global child sex ring!!!Oklahoma city was orchestrated by the govt!!!Facebook, Apple and Spotify have banned me to throw the mid-term elections!!!
This sounds like the Republican platform from 2016. This is why Republican candidates have to cheat, they can’t win on their “ideas”
The problem here is that several companies have near monopolistic control of their respective venues.
Unlike cable news, Facebook, Twitter and Youtube have no viable competition. So, they decide what is offensive or inoffensive. What is good or bad. What is fact and what is fiction.
Since government is not making these decisions, they cannot be challenged on 1st Amendment grounds.
Alex Jones has been barred or banned, but Louis Farakahn’s anti-Semitic conspiracy rants are apparently acceptable for the “community”. Both men are vile monsters. Both men have an absolutely deplorable history. Both broadcast hatred and encourage the same form their followers.
The problem is that these huge companies have the unrestrained power to censor information sources on a global scale. And they have the power to impact our elections. Consider the case of Elizabeth Heng.
I worried about a friend who listened to Limbaugh every day, and he was incapable of rational speech or thought for a couple hours after. I can’t imagine a Jones listener’s dementia level.
shakeswilly over 5 years ago
It’s not Alex Jones who is the problem it’s the people who LISTEN to Alex Jones that we should be worried about. There are always going to be insane people in the world, but when millions listen to an insane guy and think he makes sense we have a problem.
Masterskrain Premium Member over 5 years ago
Steve, why insult snakes like that?
Darsan54 Premium Member over 5 years ago
This is kinda disturbing.
superposition over 5 years ago
Should outright lies be protected by the first amendment?
Odon Premium Member over 5 years ago
Those who buy into his spiel demonstrate they are not mentally fit to buy weapons.
JohnHarry Premium Member over 5 years ago
The end result of 3 decades of the GOP enabling the uneducated, raising their hopes to become as rich as the Eastern Elites while at the same time destroying our public education system vouchers for “alternative systems”; with charter schools, keeping teacher pay almost at the poverty level, denigrating the educated, arranging a system of college financing that leaves far too many in unending debt, and making “my opinion” equal to fact or at the least “alternative fact”. Looking at the rise of evangelism is another discussion.Until we recognize these fallacies we are doomed to the Alex Jones mentality .
martens over 5 years ago
The Psychology of Conspiracy Theories by Karen M. Douglas, Robbie M. Sutton, Aleksandra Cichocka
Abstract: What psychological factors drive the popularity of conspiracy theories, which explain important events as secret plots by powerful and malevolent groups? What are the psychological consequences of adopting these theories? We review the current research and find that it answers the first of these questions more thoroughly than the second. Belief in conspiracy theories appears to be driven by motives that can be characterized as epistemic (understanding one’s environment), existential (being safe and in control of one’s environment), and social (maintaining a positive image of the self and the social group). However, little research has investigated the consequences of conspiracy belief, and to date, this research does not indicate that conspiracy belief fulfills people’s motivations. Instead, for many people, conspiracy belief may be more appealing than satisfying. Further research is needed to determine for whom, and under what conditions, conspiracy theories may satisfy key psychological motives.
http://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/0963721417718261
Mr. Blawt over 5 years ago
9/11 was an inside job!!!The Dems are running a global child sex ring!!!Oklahoma city was orchestrated by the govt!!!Facebook, Apple and Spotify have banned me to throw the mid-term elections!!!
This sounds like the Republican platform from 2016. This is why Republican candidates have to cheat, they can’t win on their “ideas”
braindead Premium Member over 5 years ago
OBAMA IS COMING TO TAKE YOUR GUNS!!!
Radish the wordsmith over 5 years ago
https://bigthink.com/paul-ratner/7-conspiracy-theories-that-are-actually-true
https://www.parcast.com/blog/2018/3/26/10-government-conspiracy-theories-revealed-to-be-true
pamela welch Premium Member over 5 years ago
Oh Steve, you really are brilliant ♥
Andylit Premium Member over 5 years ago
The problem here is that several companies have near monopolistic control of their respective venues.
Unlike cable news, Facebook, Twitter and Youtube have no viable competition. So, they decide what is offensive or inoffensive. What is good or bad. What is fact and what is fiction.
Since government is not making these decisions, they cannot be challenged on 1st Amendment grounds.
Alex Jones has been barred or banned, but Louis Farakahn’s anti-Semitic conspiracy rants are apparently acceptable for the “community”. Both men are vile monsters. Both men have an absolutely deplorable history. Both broadcast hatred and encourage the same form their followers.
The problem is that these huge companies have the unrestrained power to censor information sources on a global scale. And they have the power to impact our elections. Consider the case of Elizabeth Heng.
Dtroutma over 5 years ago
I worried about a friend who listened to Limbaugh every day, and he was incapable of rational speech or thought for a couple hours after. I can’t imagine a Jones listener’s dementia level.