‘People tired of misinformation,’ says U of A professor
Posted Dec 1, 2020 5:43 pm.
Last Updated Dec 1, 2020 5:45 pm.
EDMONTON (660 NEWS) – The earth is flat, COVID-19 isn’t real, vaccines make you sick.
There are just a few examples of misinformation people are sick of hearing about. But what can you do when it’s the people close to you who are entrenched in these beliefs?
According to a University of Alberta professor, the best option not to get into an argument is to just drop the subject, don’t engage in the conversation.
“Getting into a discussion of science and how viruses work is not likely to result in that person saying you know you’re right, I get it now. it’s coming from an emotional place, it’s not coming from a rational place,” said Dr. Amy Kaler, Sociology Professor, University of Alberta.
Kaler adds many people struggle to find ways to connect with friends or loved ones who firmly believe in these things.
“I think it’s legitimate to say I think we have different opinions on this so let’s talk about something else. Yeah, I heard what you had to say, but my views are different and leave it at that. I think to resist the urge to kind of engage in an argument again after eight or nine months is not really gonna go anywhere.”
So, if you don’t want to fight, it’s probably best not to argue with conspiracy theorists all together according to Kaler.
She also says it’s better for your overall patience and energy levels.
