Slouching Towards Oblivion

Showing posts with label reddit. Show all posts
Showing posts with label reddit. Show all posts

Sunday, November 05, 2023

Posted At Reddit


Most of this is reiteration, so there's not much that's new here. Still, it's worth review, and worth the assessment that AI could be quite a useful research tool.


I have been playing around with ChatGPT and asked it about the overlap between cults and conspiracy theorists

Thought you all would appreciate this...

Cults and conspiracy theories can sometimes overlap in several ways, although they are distinct phenomena. Here are some of the common points of intersection:

**Belief Systems**:
Both cults and conspiracy theories often revolve around belief systems that challenge mainstream or conventional perspectives. Cult members and conspiracy theory adherents may be drawn to alternative explanations and interpretations of reality.

**Us vs. Them Mentality**: Cults and conspiracy theories frequently foster an "us vs. them" mentality. They create a sense of belonging to a select group that possesses special knowledge or insights, while portraying outsiders or skeptics as ignorant or part of the conspiracy.

⬇︎ One of my favorites ⬇︎

**Secrecy and Hidden Knowledge**: Both cults and conspiracy theories often emphasize the possession of secret or hidden knowledge. Cult leaders and conspiracy theory promoters claim access to exclusive truths that are deliberately concealed from the general public.

**Recruitment and Indoctrination**: Cults and promoters of conspiracy theories employ recruitment and indoctrination techniques to attract new members or followers. They may use persuasive tactics to engage individuals and convince them of the validity of their beliefs.

**Isolation**: Cults may isolate their members from the outside world to maintain control and prevent exposure to conflicting information. Similarly, conspiracy theory adherents may avoid mainstream sources of information and socialize primarily with like-minded individuals in online echo chambers.

**Deceptive Manipulation**: Both cults and conspiracy theories can involve deceptive manipulation. Cult leaders may exploit the vulnerability of their followers, while conspiracy theories often rely on misleading or fabricated evidence to support their claims.

**Resistance to Rational Arguments**: Cult members and conspiracy theory adherents may be resistant to rational arguments or evidence that contradicts their beliefs. They tend to dismiss opposing viewpoints as part of the alleged conspiracy.

**Strong Emotional Attachment**: People involved in cults and those immersed in conspiracy theories often develop strong emotional attachments to their respective belief systems. These attachments can make it challenging for them to disengage from these ideologies.

It's important to note that while there are these points of overlap, cults and conspiracy theories are distinct in many ways. Cults typically involve a charismatic leader and a tightly controlled organization, while conspiracy theories are often more decentralized and widespread. Cults may have physical communities, while conspiracy theories often exist in the digital realm. Understanding the differences between the two is important for addressing the unique challenges and risks associated with each phenomenon.

I would add: A conspiracy fantasy (it's not a theory, BTW - it's not even a hypothesis) can easily be considered some asshole's stupid little joke - they just wanna see who's gullible enough to swallow it, and how viral it gets - but it's more than likely a tool to manipulate the devotees, further cementing them in place within the cult.

Wednesday, October 25, 2023

NSFW Reddit



Johnson is a dickhead
byu/bondi212 inPoliticalHumor

Today's Reddit

This is a post at r/Conservative, where I'm not allowed to comment because of my "liberal leanings". (how they determined that I'll never know - the wonders of the web)

I've included a handful of the 300 comments, most of which seem to be pretty anti-Trump.



User avatar
level 1
·14 hr. ago
Conservative Jedi Knight

Oh look a dumpster is on fire. Better throw some gasoline on it. That will definitely put it out.

491
User avatar
level 1
·15 hr. ago
Liberty & Limited Government

Welcome to the party circus where the clown show is the most popular and longest running

410
User avatar
level 1
·12 hr. ago
Reagan Conservative

I didn't know this degree of narcissism existed. He frames every issue, every crisis and every ounce of news worthy to print around himself. He is mad!

I really hate to say this, but I believe the man will be a danger to democracy like the fear-mongers in the Democratic party say. If we elect him again, this time around he will surround himself with only sycophants who will encourage him to do whatever he wants to do without a thought of the Constitution.

He is right and just and everyone that disagrees with him is wrong and an enemy. That isn't the philosophy of a president. That is a dictator.

403

17 more replies

User avatar
level 1
·16 hr. ago·edited 15 hr. ago
Constitutionalist

Now they will be determined to nominate him.

Edit: Trump endorsed Emmer last year. Is he playing reverse psychology on this? Or is he just being incoherent?

https://twitter.com/tomemmer/status/1557121007495823364/photo/1

336
User avatar
level 2

It’s not reverse psychology he just does this. After Powell took the plea deal he said she’d never been his attorney. However, he also has another post welcoming her to the team. Dude isn’t super worried about fact checking these days so he just kind of says whatever

Most recent post:

https://truthsocial.com/@realDonaldTrump/posts/111278893201615481

Past post:

https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1327811527123103746

237
User avatar
level 3
·9 hr. ago
Moderate Conservative

I'm just waiting for his statement on Mark Meadows next. I wonder if he'll end up denying he knew him at all.

32
User avatar
level 4
·6 hr. ago
Conservative

“I’ve heard of Mark Meadows from friends of mine. Great friends who support MAGA - Make America Great Again! But he doesn’t hold a Candle to the Great Office he inhabits or the people I Know!! Don’t be fooled by his name! He’s never been to a Meadow in his life and I should know!!!” Maybe something like that

8

1 more reply

10 more replies

User avatar
level 2
·12 hr. ago
Massachusetts Conservative

He endorsed him because it benefits him. He wants people to look at his endorsement record and assume that he has a track record of picking winners, so he endorses Republicans in easy races and then pats himself on the back. His endorsement means less than nothing.

99

1 more reply

User avatar
level 1

This is truly unreal lol, everything about it.

Trump just calling everyone he likes a RINO/establishment

“The power of the Trump endorsement.” The power to do what? Lose in droves and lose BADLY in states where GOP should never lose? The power to self sabotage party and policy?

429
User avatar
level 2
·12 hr. ago
Massachusetts Conservative

Trump is a r/conservative member confirmed.

103
User avatar
level 2
·14 hr. ago
Classical Liberal
User avatar
level 2
·12 hr. ago
Libertarian Conservative
User avatar
level 1
·12 hr. ago
Moderate Conservative

"The power of a Trump endorsement"

2022 midterms have entered the chat

151
User avatar
level 2
·10 hr. ago·edited 10 hr. ago
Conservative
User avatar
level 1
·15 hr. ago
Constitutionalist

A Trump endorsement hasn’t meant much.

207
User avatar
level 2

If anything it usually does more damage than anything

115
User avatar
level 1

I don't understand why anyone wants Trump weighing in. He easily fucked up several races with his "endorsements"...

169
User avatar
level 1
·12 hr. ago
GenZ Conservative

Does he EVER shut up?

130
User avatar
level 2
·4 hr. ago
Reagan Conservative

No

7
User avatar
level 2
·10 hr. ago
Teflon Don Conservative
User avatar
level 1

Trump is a complete fucking clown and anybody still defending this horseshit is delusional.

130

2 more replies

User avatar
level 1
·12 hr. ago
Moderate Conservative

I’m so tired of Trump.