Hahahaha I like the Ai generated fear of computers, though to me this image shows not the fear too much. But that could be just my few brain cells trying to see the positive in much we see, hear and feel.

These days the truth is not what it once was. These days even blunt lies are declared as the truth. It is to me hilarious to see public figures, or less public figures, confronted with proof (like a video with some action or statement made) while the 'accused' for lying, either run away or continue stating something didn't happen, or something wasn't said by the accused.

All of us are exposed to mainstream news, in one or the other way. Though it seems more peeps also turn to alternative media channels and sources, to me it feels like only a small group of society is trying to find the truth, whatever the truth may be. The growing group of peeps that are seeking more information, seems to be mostly those who like to believe in conspiracies. Don't have numbers though, so it's just a feeling I have.

You rightly say the problems when friends or family are becoming hardcore conspiracists. Generally, this causes breaks between peeps. I have two examples myself. An older friend. Every single conversation we had during Covid, regardless of the topic, turned into conspiracy theories within a minute. She was also very pushing her ideas onto mine and didn't want to listen to anything I had to say. She even deleted chat histories when we used a chat app. I very much hope she will find her way. I do still regard her as a friend, but the friendship is put in the fridge for now. On occasion, we do talk. But to be honest, quite rare. Maybe a few times a year. Sad, but what can I do?

A family member, relatively close by in the family. I believe, becoming a more hardcore believer in all sorts of conspiracy theories, but still quite fun to talk with. When approach a gentle way, he listens, We can also talk about different topics without the conversation going the wrong way. he doesn't really push his views, though he likes to talk about what he believes. Or better said, he usually asks a question which is against his theory, phrased in such a way it also holds a kinda accusation. Any response he will throw into the bin though. Unless it is vouching for the theory. Although I still continue the conversations with him, he lost some friends. Sad, again.

I have no idea what the future will hold. How much of a problem the growing number of people who believe in conspiracy theories (the wrong ones) will become. I do know we have to find ways to deal with this. Any ideas?