Conspiracy Addiction at ATS

ATS, while having many productive threads on a variety of topics, is also home to many who I would describe as conspiracy addicts. There are those that secretly, and not so secretly, are wishing for the end of humanity, and make repeated posts about the disasters that await us on 2012. There is the reptilian crowd, who don’t seem to be able to stop posting pixilated videos that show a split second of slit pupils (“You’ll see it, just pause the player at 1:23”). There are the angry N.W.O. posters, who have bought the Alex Jones theory hook line and sinker. If you dare post anything that questions the N.W.O. hypothesis they put you on their enemy list and call you a traitor. Then there are those who blend all three (and more) into a grandiose and disjointed catch all theory.

I believe anything is possible, but it might be nice if some of the above posters took the time to examine themselves and their own intentions when they are posting such threads. Does the thought of uncovering the secret conspiracies in the world give you a nice little tingle? If so you may be a conspiracy addict. My advice is to take a step back and look at your beliefs and intentions honestly.



[edit on 28-1-2008 by Silenceisall]

I would just add that all conspiracy theories are falliable. They are composed of cause and effect layers, such as: A is controlling B, which is influencing C to create D that poisons E.... You can just keep going, getting deeper and deeper into the abyss. And, just as easily, you can also turn a negative conspiracy string into a positive one by adding another layer that is positive. So, taking the above example: A is controlling B, which is influencing C to create D that poisons E, that will save F and allow G to live in true freedom....

There are thoughs who fuel conspiracies and there are those who just add up the whole thing but not yet decide. Some never decide and are interested. Some decide and won't let go till they them selves are the fuel that burns the conspiracy even more. We all like to know the truth and pose questions.

Sometimes you just have to get it off your chest and that can be the cure people need. On ATS we find people who are curious or can not speak openly about their own experiences, but like minded ATS members may help in their concerns or sigh of relief that they may not only be the ones and that thnking you are potty about something is taking your own experience against your self. Many people need a way to speak out, and I doubt speaking to closed minded people or going to a therapist and paying money which will also probably have to wait will not be that good, if not better to explain here as somethings just don't fit normal everyday conversations.

But obviously if something does bother you and you need a second opinion rather than no opinion and keeping it to your self then I am sure people on ATS will suggest anyway that extra help is needed and the internet chat room stage needs a step in the real world for a problem to be dealt with.

Time Lord: I agree that ATS is a good place to get guidance. Those who come here looking for help and clarity are not the people I am talking about.

Im probably one of these people and when I post a thread it is to ignite a discussion. This is how answers get found. Lets face it if we were to discuss only for sure facts then there wouldnt be much to talk about.

The problem here, in my opinion, is that we are not looking closely enough at the psychology of conspiracy, and also the weak links that hold together most theories. In my opinion every conspiracy theorist has chosen his particular conspiracy theory for personal reasons. I am not saying that that makes them untrue, but just that that aspect should not be ignored. What I am saying is that there is more to conspiracy theories that just the theory itself, which is mostly all we discuss here. In my opinion, we should also be discussing the nature of such thoughts and why we have them.





[edit on 29-1-2008 by Silenceisall]

Scientific addict. There are also those that think they can explain just about anything from a scientific and historic stand point. But hey, thats ok as well. We are all trying to figure out how to make things better I believe. I give humanity the benefit of the doubt. That when presented with a chance to have peace, love, connectedness,and harmony...

Most will choose just that when operating from their core. That which most have never met and continue to think they are their persona. Have they caught glimpses of their core...sure. But its fair to say that many of us operate from the persona and the dark layer that drives, protects, and justifies that persona.

I think we get into dangerous waters when people decide to follow a creed, whether it be a particular religion, science, a cult or an elaborate conspiracy. When you do that you close yourself off to other possibilities. You want answers and you hope that one dogma holds the key, but that is just not possible.

[edit on 29-1-2008 by Silenceisall]

Originally posted by Silenceisall
I think we get into dangerous waters when people decide to follow a creed, whether it be a particular religion, science or a cult. When you do that you close yourself off to other possibilities. You want answers and you hope that one dogma holds the key, but that is just not possible.

agreed

One clear illustration of the problem with conspiracies, is the way that most theorists change their theory again and again, sometimes completely reversing it, or going off in a totally different direction. Why is that? The answer seems obvious to me.

[edit on 29-1-2008 by Silenceisall]

Originally posted by Silenceisall
If you dare post anything that questions the N.W.O. hypothesis they put you on their enemy list and call you a traitor. [edit on 28-1-2008 by Silenceisall]

So, are you stating that you do believe in the NWO?

Is this a warning for those who do speak out against the NWO?

This thought reminds me of Greek gods when dealing with humans who showed too much pride or hubris as it was called. The human was cut back down. A Chinese saying "The nail that sticks out, gets hammered!" I would probably fall into your classification of conspiracy addict. But, I do see your point. I think ATS would benefit more and offer more valuable information for those who seek it, if us theorists would do more research and think before we speak. This I do and do agree with.

My personal thoughts on the NWO. I don't like them. I will not live in a world under the NWO. If that makes me a traitor, then fine so be it. I personally am not afraid. I know this may sound cocky but I do not fear death. I am spiritually prepared and as such, I do not fear death. If through my speaking of ideas, and presenting them as ideas and not fact if fact is not available, I spawn a thought in someone else later on who does have access to new knowledge or fact, then my goal was accomplished. One man cannot know everything, but the cummulative knowledge of many can defeat all. The only problem with this is weeding out truth from theory.

Many theories will not be proven fact untill the future. This is because of the supporting facts may not be uncovered untill later on. But, that theorist has an idea or feeling which may or may not be wrong. Instead of shutting his mouth, he speaks. The first amendment is the best thing which happened to America. I do have a hunch and fear that this amendment will be whidled away in the coming future, though.

Originally posted by Silenceisall
I think we get into dangerous waters when people decide to follow a creed, whether it be a particular religion, science, a cult or an elaborate conspiracy.

I am wanting a more clear explanation regarding this. Are you stating that you do not want people to make thier own decisions and believe what they want to believe?

Originally posted by Silenceisall
One clear illustration of the problem with conspiracies, is the way that most theorists change their theory again and again, sometimes completely reversing it, or going off in a totally different direction. Why is that? The answer seems obvious to me.

I will offer my thought regarding this. The lack of knowledge has a large effect on the accuracy of truth. You can see this crystal clear when students take tests. If they do not understand the test questions then they are forced to make their best guess. They may or may not be right and thier grades reflect this.

We are here, on ATS to discover truth and untruths. Whether it be to understand why one theory is wrong or to discover that a past theory is indeed true but could not be substantiated untill present time. The way we present ourselves seems to be your concern. I agree, we should not preach fact unless facts are available. But we present ideas,when fact is not available, in hopes that the cummulative research and brainpower of many can prove or disprove an idea, so we can move on to the next.

reply to post by Amaxium


Amaxium: I am not denying that there are people out there ("elites" as they are called) who envision a NWO. Many world leaders have publically made reference to a NWO and have said that it is what we should head for. I have trouble when all who would like a more unified planet are lumped together with those who seek world domination and would impose draconioan measures to get it--freedom remains important and fundamental always. Many good people believe that humanity would be better off if we considered ourselves to be one collective lifeform, living on one fragile earth. Why does that necessarially imply dictatorships, mind control, alien agendas, secret societies. Why can't such a transformation come about organically over time. I think that with the Internet we are realizing that we have far more in common than previous generations ever believed. The races are mixing, cultures are mixing, and that is what humanity has been doing since the start...it has just accelerated. I suppose I may get called a disinfo agent for that but so be it.

I said: I think we get into dangerous waters when people decide to follow a creed, whether it be a particular religion, science, a cult or an elaborate conspiracy.

What I meant was simply that locking yourself down into one catch all theory, whether it be based on science, or catholocism, or Alex Jones, is a mistake in so far as it is limiting for you. You limit youself when you choose to follow one creed and ignore all others.

Regards.

Now I have a better understanding of your posts and can agree with you. I do feel that many posters, on ATS, need to be more careful in thier wording. Give all supporting facts and all explanation that leads them to thier theory. The lack of thought processes that leads us to thier conclusion is very disconcerting. It does give me the impression that there are many followers and not so many leaders. There is much posted in ATS which I see as "far-fetched" and out there, but I respect the fact that there may be some truth behind the idea.

I am for a peaceful world. I do have a problem when people try to oppress thier thoughts and ideas on those who do not want to live or talk they way someone says. I also have a problem with those who do not open thier minds to the possibility of other ideas. Whether they accept them or not is thier choice.

reply to post by Amaxium


I think we are playing baseball with the same bat.

I have to say, I fully agree with the OP.

For example, I once was drinking at a friends house; we ended up rambling on and by the end of the night had connected all of the major conspiracy theories together into a universe-encompassing mega-conspiracy. It incorporated everything from past-civilizations, the annunaki, the greys, WW2, I mean everything. And the sad thing is, I was doing it primarily as an intellectual excercise, but the logic flowed and point followed point until the end “mega-conspiracy" was reached.

Ok, so what's the problem?

One flaw in a mountain of "IFS" means that everything falls apart. Just like every conspiracy theory, there's elements of unknown, and plenty of assumption... throw in a healthy dose of group-paranoia, and a cult-following is born.

Take, for example, this thread: www.abovetopsecret.com...

I could easily add another layer to this conspiracy to make “A secret government space program” beneficial to us. Say, a hostile alien force which we must repeatedly guarded against. Well, those in power don’t want mass histeria, nor do they want to lose the grasp on the world economy which allows them to wage this extra-terrestial war. The means, i.e. conspiracy, global control, justify the end, namely humanity’s continued existence. (I’m not saying I believe this... I’m merely illustrating the OP’s point.)

The best advice I can offer to any member of ATS is: Exercise and develop those critical thinking skills; be skeptical, and never accept anything at face value.

I would use this thread as an example:

www.abovetopsecret.com...

Even though I agree with the original poster, I think we are coming from opposite sides.

The psychology behind conspiracy theories is very interesting and important. I just joined this site and have read a decent amount of threads in the last month to get a feel for it.

I think it's obvious why it gets overlooked in comparison to the close-minded opposing mentality - it's a bit more speculative to pinpoint it on someone. That being said, it's clear that people can fall into a conspiracy too easily. Another problem with the psychology, is that it's heavily based on a collective state so analysing it from a scientifc perspective (which barely acknowledges/understands collective states) isn't very insightful. So we are only left to critisize based on our perception of reality..and that's not going to go anywhere.

The end lesson is to really open your mind and confirm that with your overall understanding of reality. It will be very different from person to person but we can all try to come to some consensuses and hopefully help each other in our understanding of things.

I'm with Amaxium on this.
I'll go even further by saying: let people speak and decide for themselves - if you have a problem with that: it sheds light on your mindstate more than theirs.
Now I'm not saying don't argue or express opposing thoughts; that should be encouraged as long as it stems from truthful thinking as opposed to selfish/prideful/fear based thoughts. But if you can't cope with it, it's something that should result in a self-reflection as opposed to " argghh I'm soooo right and these people are idiots who are pissing me off".

On my end, I have lot's of trouble with the science-only religion. I try my best to not let it get to me, and I feel the need to put up a thread which explains the heavy faults in this application to reality...using many of the greatest scientific minds as quote-speakers but that is clearly a self- derived feeling that I shouldn't encourage.

I don't even get what the problem is with the Crucifix thread really. I only read the first couple of repsonses so maybe you're referring to the threads developments..but what can you say about the original post? I would like to hear that one. I see issues but I'm not sure if it's the same as yours. Personally, it's worded poorly and the OP seems to be way too blunt in his/her assertions but it's more obvious than usual and just has that appearance more up front for you to see. However, the thread's title, conceptually, is actually something that be defended with some extensive, direct and prevalent points from the top of my head. That alone is enough to warrant it's discussion imo.

You did something similar with
"Does the thought of uncovering the secret conspiracies in the world give you a nice little tingle? If so you may be a conspiracy addict"
That is quite ridiculous to say this so absolutely. *I'm also aware of the appearance of me seemingly defending a similar charateristic in me..but I really cannot allow myself to care about that garbage.*


I can come up with much better assertians than that based on the question..but really, I would have it based on something, and I understand it can vary person to person why these feelings of sensation can result from uncovering apparant truth in big issues: so I don't believe this is a legitimate question at all.

Originally posted by 1nelove

You did something similar with
"Does the thought of uncovering the secret conspiracies in the world give you a nice little tingle? If so you may be a conspiracy addict"
That is quite ridiculous to say this so absolutely. *I'm also aware of the appearance of me seemingly defending a similar charateristic in me..but I really cannot allow myself to care about that garbage.*


I can come up with much better assertians than that based on the question..but really, I would have it based on something, and I understand it can vary person to person why these feelings of sensation can result from uncovering apparant truth in big issues: so I don't believe this is a legitimate question at all.

It's very simple to me. If you get off on conspiracies, if they literally give you a rush, then that is something you need to look at. If you, for example, have a theory about Alpha Draconians and the NWO enslavement of mankind, and it excites you on some level and repulses you on another, then you need to look at your intentions. Are you feeding an addiction and side-stepping proper logic and common sense in order to satisfy your addiction? If you have such a theory and are just plain terrified, and there is noting "fun" about plotting it out in your head, then I would say you do not have a conspiracy addiction.

[edit on 1-2-2008 by Silenceisall]

reply to post by Silenceisall


Hi!

This is reasonable thread to anyone to read and think for a moment. It certainly stopped me, and made me thought that doesn't this continuous creation of conspiracies and that one is seeing them all around, spawn from the fear? From fear that one isn't anymore control of one's life; that greater forces (most likely sinister ones, yet profane) which seeks the destruction and/or slavery of the weak(me). Fear is a foundation to many bad things; people should stop and think about how much they fear, and is there any basis for that fear actually? ...or is the fond on conspiracies because mere intellectual boredom?

I am not saying either that there isn't conspiracies - I'm just agreeing with mr. Silenceisall that it is sometimes good to stop and think for a moment about your motivations for all this conspiracy stuff.

You are the first person to bring up fear as related to conspiracy addiction, and it's an excellent point. fear itself can be addictive and self-perpetuating because it gives us a kind of rush. This would tie into my last comment.

Thanks.



[edit on 1-2-2008 by Silenceisall]