The dangers of conspiracy theories

One of the themes that surfaces repeatedly in Skypeland is that some want to push conspiracy theories, unimpeded. Some who do not want to have a contentious environment in Skypeland want to allow conspiracy theorists to say whatever they want. These proponents of comity are somewhat dismayed to realize that some might disagree with these conspiracy theorists and what dispute their claims, creating hard feelings.

However, there is at least one strong reason why conspiracy theories are like a dangerous sort of "mind rot" that should be challenged. What these conspiracy theories do is to create confusion, and a disrespect for evidence and rational thought. Many of them create justifications for terrorist activities. For example, if one subscribes to many of these conspiracy theories, one might believe that no Muslim extremists have ever advocated attacking Americans or American assets. The dominant belief among conspiracy theorists is that Muslim extremists are just misunderstood and that the US and Americans are evil.

However, the problem arises is that these conspiracy theories are great recruiting tools for terrorists and give them reason to attack Westerners, kaffirs, Europeans, Christians, Americans and Jews. Since these groups are evil, according to assorted conspiracy theories, they should be attacked and killed and destroyed. Conspiracy theories form some of the main justification for terroist acts.

And that is why conspiracy theories are not just good clean silly innocent fun.