Conspiracy theories have been around for ages—people have long prepared for everything from zombie apocalypses to alien invasions. In the past, spreading such misinformation was challenging; it relied on physical media like books or word of mouth. In contrast, today’s conspiracy theorists have the internet at their fingertips, allowing them to disseminate falsehoods faster than you can counter with facts. It’s alarming to see how many people we once respected have spiraled into the depths of conspiracy theories, seemingly with no way back.
Our relatives are caught up in it. So are our neighbors and acquaintances. Even some partners have begun to believe the outlandish claims made by self-proclaimed experts on YouTube instead of adhering to trustworthy scientific sources. They are convinced that the election was stolen, that celebrities engage in unspeakable acts, and that COVID-19 is merely a myth. And they are staunchly against the vaccine.
We long to pull them back to reality, but often the only option left is to distance ourselves. Whether you’re mourning a friendship with a former bestie who’s now deep in the QAnon rabbit hole or celebrating the opportunity to cut ties with a family member spouting absurd claims, we’ve all been affected by these strange beliefs.
All we can do is hope these QAnon supporters will “wake up!” as they often urge us to do. Otherwise, the future of humanity could be at risk.
I was excited to catch up with my friend from afar, but instead, I endured a two-hour rant of conspiracy theory nonsense. So disappointing.
Confessions of Heartbreak
Confessional #25826981: My older brother and I were inseparable. However, last year he dove headfirst into COVID conspiracy theories, and I haven’t spoken to him in six months. He keeps texting me nasty remarks because he thinks I’m a “sheep.” It breaks my heart.
Confessional #25826281: My brother was my closest friend, but in the past year, he has become consumed by bizarre conspiracy theories, forcing me to cut all contact. It’s tragic how these delusions can destroy relationships.
Confessional #25824638: My partner and I are worlds apart now. He has gone off the rails with conspiracy theories and become hyper-political, something he never cared about before. I despise this new version of him after 12 years together.
As much as we might joke or roll our eyes at those wrapped up in their conspiracy theories, the damage is real. Their choices to embrace these myths forever alter our relationships—a truly heartbreaking reality.
Confessional #25826720: I secretly take pleasure in watching my adult son put his father in his place. Last night, Dad started with more conspiracy nonsense, and my son told him, “Shut up, Dad. You sound ridiculous.” Love that kid!
Confessional #25819353: A friend keeps posting conspiracy videos and asks for my opinion. Honestly, my opinion is that they’re being foolish.
Confessional #25817643: I walked into a bakery for a treat and was confronted by two anti-mask workers who tried to convince me of their grand conspiracy theory. I was yelled at for 20 minutes and couldn’t even buy anything. What a circus.
Confessional #25818546: My husband recently revealed he’s a conspiracy theorist. We haven’t gotten along since. He believes school shootings are staged. I can’t fathom how people think this way. They refuse to “be confused by the facts.”
It can be excruciating to be around some of these individuals. They genuinely believe their words, but all we hear is gibberish. We just want to say, “Seriously, stop talking. You sound ridiculous.”
Confessional #25826709: My in-laws have been vaccinated, and as we approach shot two, the anti-vax aunt is wondering why no one has made Easter plans. Well, we’re doing it without exposing our kids to your risky choices or conspiracy theories. Bye!!!
Confessional #25826572: My husband’s aunt thinks COVID is a hoax and refuses to get vaccinated. My mother-in-law has declared that only vaccinated adults will be welcome at family gatherings. The aunt is now bombarding my husband with conspiracy theories; I’d love to see her reaction when she finds out he’s already received his shot.
Confessional #25810929: I’m fed up with my negligent friend who’s anti-vax, anti-mask, and pro-conspiracy. Wake up! I’m exhausted by all this nonsense; she might be losing her mind.
The events of 2020 have brought out the worst in many, merging conspiracy theorists with a pandemic. This has led to a surge of anti-maskers and anti-vaxxers in our society. While we masked up and signed up for vaccines, Aunt Carol was spreading absurd lies about COVID, resulting in her permanent un-invitation to Christmas dinner. Bye, Aunt Carol.
We had to cut off my husband’s aunt due to her extreme conspiracy beliefs surrounding COVID and Trump. I won’t have that insanity around my children.
Confessional #25819312: I can’t view some friends the same after their outrageous conspiracy posts on social media. Trump lost! Move on already. Now they claim Biden has dementia and Harris was a call girl. Enough already!
Confessional #25822523: I find it amusing watching my ex-friend try to pretend she wasn’t a conspiracy theorist on social media for the past year and a half.
Confessional #25794007: My partner has turned into a conspiracy theorist and gone extremely political. I’m a progressive, and after 20 years of marriage and two kids, we are now separated. He refuses to wear a mask and brags about it on Facebook. I can’t keep my family safe with this mindset. Why can’t he understand?
This pandemic has changed everything, including fracturing friendships, marriages, and relationships. After someone embraces QAnon nonsense or supports a man-child still crying about his election loss, it’s hard to see them in the same light.
For better or worse, the last four years, coupled with the pandemic, have unveiled bizarre conspiracy theories that defy belief. And with that, we may have to bid farewell to those who venture further into the murky waters of conspiracy beliefs.
Goodbye, Uncle Pete. We won’t be saving you a seat at Thanksgiving this year.
Further Reading
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Summary
This article discusses the rise of conspiracy theories, particularly during the pandemic, and how they have impacted personal relationships. Many individuals have distanced themselves from family and friends who have succumbed to these beliefs, leading to heartbreak and disillusionment. The narrative highlights various personal confessions reflecting the emotional toll and the absurdity of these unfounded claims.
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