Everyday people get sucked into conspiracy theories and violent movements all the time, although the process happens slowly.
YouTubes algorithm might offer up an edgy, offensive video, which leads to more edgy, offensive videos.
Conspiracy theories and violent movements thrive because theyre community-based, and those communities survive by bringing in new members.
But what if your significant other is one of those new members?
How can you help?Canyou help?
Are they displaying anti-social behavior or making drastic lifestyle changes?
Not all of these conspiracy theories or threads of misinformation are harmful and violent, though.
Do research on the theories your loved one is showing interest in.
Read up on Qanon, for instance, andonline extremismin general.
Intervention, like anything, has to be approached case-by-case.
Your loved one is unique.
Theyre searching for meaning or purpose in their own life by exploring these movements.
Again, do not be dismissive or mean.
Show your partner that you love them.
Show these interviews to your loved one in a judgement-free manner, and have an open conversation about them.
Know when to walk away
Yes, you love your partner.
No, its not your responsibility to save them from themselves if they reject all of your help.
Sometimes, you have to walk away, for your own good.
Ultimately, thats a personal decision on the part of the person whos being negatively affected.
You have to love yourself, too.
Dont blame yourself
You are not the cause of your partners interest in conspiracies or extremism.
Dont blame yourself for their descentoryour inability to pull them back.
Deradicalization is a pretty monumental task.
Were not talking about getting somebody to quit smoking, for example, Holt said.
