How to talk to a loved one who believes disinformation

Politics can be a touchy subject between loved ones, especially when a close family member or friend has bought into a political conspiracy theory. How do we talk about it?

Diane Benscoter has lots of experience with this. Her organization Antidote works to counteract and prevent psychological manipulation, from political disinformation to extremist groups to religious cults. She was once a cult member herself. And when she's talking with, say, a participant in the January 6 insurrection, she starts by finding shared values.

"You have to connect with them in a way that they see that you are a reasonable and caring human being like they are," she says.

Resources and links:

• Antidote.ngo
• 'Exit Counselors' Strain To Pull Americans Out Of A Web Of False Conspiracies

My music is a track from the Blue Dot Sessions called "Laser Focus"