What do you guys think about conspiracy theorists and how do you deal with them?

[SushiMouse]

My dad thinks that 9/11 was an inside job and that aliens are the missing link.
So, yeah, what do you do when they start ranting? Is there anything I could say to him to at least get him off my back?

[Crow]

Generally just ignore them.

I listen but don't engage due to my own experience with conspiracy theorists. Nothing you say or evidence you show them will change there opinion plus there views are usually harmless and sometimes bring to light some really interesting information.

[Whitney]

I usually show them the facts (or not, depends on the topic and how much time I want to waste) then move on when they continue to express zero interest in considering more likely solutions to the problems posed by their conspiracy theories.

[fester30]

God is all-powerful.
The government is covering it up.
Both religions and conspiracy theories have one very big thing in common... they both have one statement that can fly in the face of all real evidence.  Instead of arguing with them, encourage them.  Feed them some more fake facts that reinforce their beliefs.  It's fun making gullible people look like idiots.

[Will]

My dad thinks that 9/11 was an inside job and that aliens are the missing link.
So, yeah, what do you do when they start ranting? Is there anything I could say to him to at least get him off my back?

What evidence does he have to support this hypothesis? Do his extraordinary claims have extraordinary evidence? Does his hypothesis, compared to all other hypothesis, make the least assumptions?

[xSilverPhinx]

I just ignore them, and I've seen some weird conspiracy theories in my time.

[The Magic Pudding]

My dad thinks that 9/11 was an inside job and that aliens are the missing link.

That's just stupid, aliens aren't the missing link, but they did steal it.

[Jabbles]

I have argued in the past but I try to just ignore now. I love the ones involving governments though. The big bad "man" can keep the hundreds of people quiet about their involvement in 9/11 but sex scandals involving a few people happen all the time.

[Sweetdeath]

My dad thinks that 9/11 was an inside job and that aliens are the missing link.

That's just stupid, aliens aren't the missing link, but they did steal it.

Link isn't missing. He's out back feeding Epona.

[xSilverPhinx]

My dad thinks that 9/11 was an inside job and that aliens are the missing link.
So, yeah, what do you do when they start ranting? Is there anything I could say to him to at least get him off my back?

What evidence does he have to support this hypothesis? Do his extraordinary claims have extraordinary evidence? Does his hypothesis, compared to all other hypothesis, make the least assumptions?

Or he could just see these questions as evidence that people are covering up the truth. Sometimes it's pointless.

[Asmodean]

A hobby like any other, I suppose... Except when it results in a psychotic breakdown.

[DeterminedJuliet]

Avoid, avoid, avoid.

I actually used to be friends with someone who went bonkers after he started getting into conspiracy theories. He moved out of town and completely fell off the map. Most of us didn't know for a year or so if he was even alive any more. It was nuts.

[Melmoth]

I nod and frown and generally patronise them until they go away. Unless they're the antisemitic, jews-invented-cancer sort, in which case I avoid them entirely. When they're that far gone they just get boring.

[Jabbles]

I think it would be pretty funny to start a conspiracy theory just to see how big it would get.

[Sweetdeath]

I think it would be pretty funny to start a conspiracy theory just to see how big it would get.

Like God lives on planet Saturn?