Conspiracy theories have been around for ages. People have been preparing for everything from zombie invasions to alien takeovers, but back then, spreading misinformation was a challenge. Now, with the internet, anyone can share wild theories faster than you can say “Trump lost, you conspiracy-loving fool.” It’s unsettling to see so many people we once respected dive into the world of conspiracy theories, often with no way back.
Our family and friends seem to be caught in this web. Our neighbors, some family members, and even partners are now more inclined to believe some random YouTube personality over credible scientific facts. They think the election was rigged, that celebrities engage in horrific acts, and that COVID-19 is a hoax. And don’t even mention the vaccine; they want nothing to do with it.
We wish we could help them, but sometimes the only option is to distance ourselves. Whether you’re grieving the loss of a friendship because your former best friend has embraced QAnon, or celebrating the fact that your mother-in-law’s belief in a stolen election has given you a perfect reason to skip family gatherings, we all feel the effects of these bizarre beliefs.
All we can do is hope that these QAnon supporters will “wake up!” as they tell us to. If not, humanity might really be facing dire consequences.
I was eager to catch up with my long-distance friend tonight, but instead, I endured two hours of conspiracy theories. So frustrating.
Confessionals
Confessional #25826981: My brother and I used to connect every day and were practically inseparable. After he dove into COVID conspiracy theories last year, I haven’t spoken to him in six months. He keeps sending me nasty messages because I’m “a sheep.” It breaks my heart.
Confessional #25826281: I used to be really close with my brother, but after he started obsessing over wild conspiracy theories, I had to cut ties. It’s heartbreaking to see how these ideas can tear families apart.
Confessional #25824638: My partner and I are completely off-kilter now. He has become a conspiracy fanatic and has turned into the most political person I know—something he never cared about before. I dislike this new version of him after 12 years together.
Confessional #25820457: Though we joke about the conspiracy believers, the truth is, their delusions pose real harm. Their choices change our relationships forever, which can be truly devastating.
Sometimes, I quietly enjoy when my son puts his dad in check. Last night, his dad started ranting about conspiracy theories, and my son told him, “Shut up, Dad, you sound ridiculous.” I love that kid!
Confessional #25826720: A friend constantly shares conspiracy-laden YouTube videos and asks for my thoughts. Honestly, my opinion is that she’s being foolish.
Confessional #25819353: I walked into a bakery today and was cornered by two anti-mask employees who tried to convince me that everything is a conspiracy. They yelled at me for 20 minutes, and I never even got to buy anything! Crazy people.
Confessional #25817643: My partner just admitted to being a conspiracy theorist. We haven’t been getting along since. He thinks school shootings are staged, and I can’t understand how people can think this way. They refuse to “be confused with the facts.”
It’s challenging to be around some of these individuals. They genuinely believe what they are saying, but it sounds like nonsense to us. We just want to say, “Seriously? Stop talking. No one is taking you seriously.”
My in-laws received their vaccinations, and as we approach shot number two, the anti-vax aunt is emailing to question why no one has made Easter plans. Umm, because we’re not exposing our kids to your risky opinions or conspiracy theories. Bye!
Confessional #25826709: My in-laws are turning into conspiracy theorists and refuse to get vaccinated, despite being high-risk. The beliefs about vaccines being dangerous and government control are exhausting. I’m over it.
Confessional #25826572: My husband’s aunt thinks COVID is a hoax and won’t get vaccinated. My mother-in-law has told her that only vaccinated adults will be invited to family events. I can’t wait to see the look on her face when she finds out my husband has already gotten his shot.
Confessional #25825191: I’m fed up with my anti-vax, anti-mask friend who is deep into conspiracy theories. Wake up! I’m so tired of hearing this nonsense; she might be losing it.
2020 brought out the worst of the worst, merging conspiracy theorists with a pandemic. A wave of anti-maskers and anti-vaxxers emerged. While we masked up and signed up for vaccines, Aunt Carol was uninvited from Christmas dinner for life because of her ridiculous COVID falsehoods.
We had to sever ties with my husband’s aunt due to her extreme conspiracy beliefs regarding COVID and Trump. I won’t have that kind of influence around my kids. Confessional #25819312: I can’t look at certain friends the same way after they post absurd conspiracy theories on social media. Trump LOST! They need to accept it already.
Confessional #25819257: It’s amusing to watch my ex-friend try to act like she wasn’t a lunatic conspiracy theorist on social media for the past year and a half.
Confessional #25822523: My husband has become a conspiracy theorist and is now very politically extreme. I’m a progressive. After over 20 years of marriage and two kids, we’re now separated. He refuses to wear a mask and is always out and about. I can’t keep my kids or myself safe. Why can’t he understand?
This pandemic has changed everything—breaking friendships, marriages, and relationships irreparably. We can no longer view our spouses, siblings, or best friends in the same light after they’ve embraced QAnon nonsense or supported a man-child still whining about losing months after the election.
For better or worse, the past four years, combined with the pandemic, have revealed bizarre conspiracy theories that defy logic. Sadly, we have to bid farewell as they delve deeper into the rabbit hole of conspiracies.
Goodbye, Uncle Pete. Don’t expect a seat at Thanksgiving this year.
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Summary
The rise of conspiracy theories, particularly during the pandemic, has strained relationships and changed how we view family and friends. Many people have adopted bizarre beliefs that challenge logic and undermine trust. As we navigate these changes, some have chosen to distance themselves from those who embrace such radical ideas. The impact is profound, and many are left hoping for a return to reason.