Escaping the Rabbit Hole is arranged into three parts. In Part One, we take a detailed look at the conspiracy theory rabbit hole. Why do conspiracy theories exist? Why do people get sucked into them and how can you help them out?
Chapter One, “The ‘Conspiracy Theory’ Conspiracy Theory,” addresses the contentious usage of the term “conspiracy theory” by looking at its history. The usage predates the assassination of JFK in 1963, and while it does have some negative connotations, I use it because it is a term that is (mostly) well understood.
Chapter Two, “Conspiracy Spectrums,” looks at the range of conspiracy theories from the plausible to the ridiculous. I introduce the concept of a conspiracy “demarcation line” which is drawn on each individual’s personal conspiracy spectrum. On one side of their line are the “reasonable” theories, and on the other are “silly” theories and “disinformation.” I discuss how understanding and identifying this line is key to helping your friend.
Chapter Three, “The Shill Card,” addresses the common accusation that some people who attempt to debunk false conspiracy theories are shills. The best way to combat this accusation is to be as honest and open as possible about what you are doing. To that end, this chapter contains a detailed explanation of how I ended up debunking conspiracy theories on the internet, why I do it, and how I can afford it.
Chapter Four, “The Rabbit Hole: How and Why,” examines how people get sucked into the rabbit hole. What is the contribution of psychological factors? How do people typically end up in a conspiracy spiral? I look at current research on the matter and the significant role of online videos.
Chapter Five, “Core Debunking Techniques,” lays out a set of tools and guidelines for practical debunking. The focus is on effective communication of missing information.
Chapter Six, “Steve – A Journey through the Rabbit Hole,” tells the story of Steve, a conspiracy theorist since the 1970s whose story of escape exemplifies many of the concepts covered in the preceding chapters.
Part Two is the practical core of the book. Four different conspiracy theories are discussed in depth. The common false claims of evidence for those theories are described, and I explain how best to convey the explanations of those claims to your friend. Paired with each chapter is the account of someone who went down that particular rabbit hole and ultimately escaped.
Chapter Seven, “Chemtrails,” covers the surprisingly popular idea that the white lines that planes leave in the sky are not just condensation, but are part of a secret plot to alter the climate. The science of contrails (what these white lines actually are) is covered, along with the most common claims like “contrails don’t persist,” “aluminum is in the rain,” and “geoengineering patents.” This is my personal favorite conspiracy theory, and the longest chapter in the book.
Chapter Eight, “Stephanie – A Former Chemtrailer,” tells the story of Stephanie, a German Chemtrail believer who was helped out of the rabbit hole by her friend.
Chapter Nine, “9/11 Controlled Demolitions,” looks at the most popular aspect of the wide range of 9/11 conspiracy theories—the idea that the plane impacts and raging fires were not enough to bring down the World Trade Center, and that pre-planted explosives must have been used. It’s too large a subject to do justice in one chapter, so I focus on some key areas in which your friend might be missing information. These include: Architects and Engineers for 9/11 Truth, nanothermite, the plane that hit the Pentagon, and a (not) missing $2.3 trillion.
Chapter Ten, “Karl–Temporary Truther,” tells the story of someone who nearly fell deep down the 9/11 rabbit hole, but was caught in time by his friend.
Chapter Eleven, “False Flags,” covers the often emotive issue of claims that events like Sandy Hook were hoaxes. I take a detailed look at the often-cited historical evidence for False Flags, in particular Operation Northwoods and the Gulf of Tonkin incident. I look at some ways you can bring perspective to people who have fallen down this particular rabbit hole.
Chapter Twelve, “Richard – Drawing the Line at Sandy Hook,” tells the story of a young man for whom the Sandy Hook hoax theory was the thing that ultimately helped turn him away from his conspiratorial thinking.
Chapter Thirteen, “Flat Earth,” covers what many consider to be the obviously ridiculous theory that the Earth is flat and the government is covering this up. Many people who claim to hold this view are just trolling, but what do you do if you meet people who actually believe it? I look at the history of the theory, the most common claims, and some very straightforward ways of showing people that the Earth is not flat.
Chapter Fourteen, “Bob – Escape from Flat Earth,” tells the story of someone who not only believed the Earth was flat, but had family members who believed it too.
Part Three takes a look at some of the additional complications that you may encounter while helping your friend and finishes with a look at the future of debunking.
Chapter Fifteen, “Complications in Debunking,” first examines the common problem of explaining a complex subject to someone who is simply (through no fault of their own) incapable of quickly understanding it. Further complications arise when your friend is a close family member, with a different dynamic from a friend and potentially more significant long-term ramifications. I look at the issues raised by the Morgellons theory and offer some brief advice on dealing with mental illness. I conclude with considerations and guidance on how to navigate political disagreements that cross over into the conspiracy realm.
Chapter Sixteen, “The Future of Bunk and Debunking,” is partly speculative, but is based firmly against the backdrop of the influence of disinformation in the 2016 election, and the repercussions that continue to this day. I look at how trolls and bots help spread conspiracy theories, and how it is probably going to get worse before it gets better.
I conclude on a hopeful note with a look at the tools being developed to fight online misinformation, and how this might help turn back the tide of conspiracism.