How Online Conspiracy Theories Led to a Mental Health Crisis | PBS NewsHour

[Michie]

How Online Conspiracy Theories Led to a Mental Health Crisis | PBS NewsHour | PBS LearningMedia

David Morrill of Portland, Oregon, was involved in conspiracy theory communities online until a mental health crisis forced him to confront his beliefs. He talked with his father about how he found his way back to reality. Their conversation is part of our Student Reporting Labs series on...

www.pbslearningmedia.org

David Morrill of Portland, Oregon, was involved in conspiracy theory communities online until a mental health crisis forced him to confront his beliefs. He talked with his father about how he found his way back to reality. Their conversation is part of our Student Reporting Labs series on misinformation, “Moments of Truth.”

Watch the video above to learn more, and then answer the discussion questions in the upper-right corner of this page.

This lesson was originally posted here on PBS NewsHour Classroom on February 13, 2023. Check out more resources at NewsHour Classroom.



DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
Discussion Questions for Moment of Truth: How Online Conspiracy Theories Led to This Man’s Mental Health Crisis

How Online Conspiracy Theories Led to a Mental Health Crisis | PBS NewsHour | PBS LearningMedia

David Morrill of Portland, Oregon, was involved in conspiracy theory communities online until a mental health crisis forced him to confront his beliefs. He talked with his father about how he found his way back to reality. Their conversation is part of our Student Reporting Labs series on...

www.pbslearningmedia.org

​

 

[mourningdove~]

How Online Conspiracy Theories Led to a Mental Health Crisis | PBS NewsHour | PBS LearningMedia

David Morrill of Portland, Oregon, was involved in conspiracy theory communities online until a mental health crisis forced him to confront his beliefs. He talked with his father about how he found his way back to reality. Their conversation is part of our Student Reporting Labs series on...

www.pbslearningmedia.org

David Morrill of Portland, Oregon, was involved in conspiracy theory communities online until a mental health crisis forced him to confront his beliefs. He talked with his father about how he found his way back to reality. Their conversation is part of our Student Reporting Labs series on misinformation, “Moments of Truth.”

Watch the video above to learn more, and then answer the discussion questions in the upper-right corner of this page.

This lesson was originally posted here on PBS NewsHour Classroom on February 13, 2023. Check out more resources at NewsHour Classroom.



DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
Discussion Questions for Moment of Truth: How Online Conspiracy Theories Led to This Man’s Mental Health Crisis

How Online Conspiracy Theories Led to a Mental Health Crisis | PBS NewsHour | PBS LearningMedia

David Morrill of Portland, Oregon, was involved in conspiracy theory communities online until a mental health crisis forced him to confront his beliefs. He talked with his father about how he found his way back to reality. Their conversation is part of our Student Reporting Labs series on...

www.pbslearningmedia.org

​

Conspiracy Theories Forum Statement of Purpose
Welcome to the Conspiracy Theories forum. This is a forum for discussing topics that are considered to be conspiracy theories. This means that your OP should present a conspiracy theory that you believe in and can post supporting evidence for (i.e. YouTube videos, articles, deductive reasoning).

Hi Michie

So what is the conspiracy theory that you are presenting for discussion?

Is your conspiracy theory that involvement with conspiracy theories causes mental illness?

 

[Michie]

Conspiracy Theories Forum Statement of Purpose
Welcome to the Conspiracy Theories forum. This is a forum for discussing topics that are considered to be conspiracy theories. This means that your OP should present a conspiracy theory that you believe in and can post supporting evidence for (i.e. YouTube videos, articles, deductive reasoning).

Hi Michie

So what is the conspiracy theory that you are presenting for discussion?

Is your conspiracy theory that involvement with conspiracy theories causes mental illness?

I’m presenting the truth. I know my posts here bother you but I seen and continue to see how they destroyed my sister’s mental health. What is the definition of a conspiracy theory? Most do not know. Look it up. I have discussed this issue with physicians and have studied on my own. Conspiracy theories are not hobbies or entertainment. If they were there would not be rehab centers and mental health facilities dedicated to this issue. If they were hobbies and entertainment do you think they would affect daily lives? Do you think people would go all in on hobbies and entertainment that skews their worldview ? My personal “conspiracy theory” is conspiracy theories can be dangerous. Why do people spread them? Why do people use their Christianity to justify them? Why do people spread these conspiracies? Who is the father of lies? Why do some follow lies to the point they are beyond reasoning with? It’s consumes.

If the topic of conspiracy theories pro or con are what is supposed to be posted here, I do not think I’m brinking the rules. If staff thinks so, they can contact me. But I think it’s a good thing to keep this topic in perspective. After I have seen the damage it can do, I feel it’s my duty as a Christian and a human being. Any other questions??

 

[mourningdove~]

I’m presenting the truth. I know my posts here bother you but I seen and continue to see how they destroyed my sister’s mental health. What is the definition of a conspiracy theory? Most do not know. Look it up. I have discussed this issue with physicians and have studied on my own. Conspiracy theories are not hobbies or entertainment. If they were there would not be rehab centers and mental health facilities dedicated to this issue. If they were hobbies and entertainment do you think they would affect daily lives? Do you think people would go all in on hobbies and entertainment that skews their worldview ? My personal “conspiracy theory” is conspiracy theories can be dangerous. Why do people spread them? Why do people use their Christianity to justify them? Why do people spread these conspiracies? Who is the father of lies? Why do some follow lies to the point they are beyond reasoning with? It’s consumes.

If the topic of conspiracy theories pro or con are what is supposed to be posted here, I do not think I’m brinking the rules. If staff thinks so, they can contact me. But I think it’s a good thing to keep this topic in perspective. After I have seen the damage it can do, I feel it’s my duty as a Christian and a human being. Any other questions??

I could take the time to prepare a detailed response to the comments in your post, but I think it would be a waste of my time. You appear to be deeply affected by your sister's mental condition and are blaming her involvement with conspiracies theories as the reason for her illness. I don't think I can say anything at this point that you will hear.

I do believe you are meaning to be helpful. I truly do.
I just disagree with the approach you've been using here.

The peace of Christ be with you, Michie.

 

[Michie]

I could take the time to prepare a detailed response to the comments in your post, but I think it would be a waste of my time. You appear to be deeply affected by your sister's mental condition and are blaming her involvement with conspiracies theories as the reason for her illness. I don't think I can say anything at this point that you will hear.

I do believe you are meaning to be helpful. I truly do.
I just disagree with the approach you've been using here.

The peace of Christ be with you, Michie.

No I have talked to professionals. Nothing you say defending conspiracy theories of all things will convince me.

 

[mourningdove~]

No I have talked to professionals. Nothing you say defending conspiracy theories of all things will convince me.

I wasn't intending to do that, Michie. You continue to misread me.
I am not here "defending conspiracy theories" to you.
However, I do defend the right for persons to discuss them.
And this forum has been set up as a place for them to do so.


Respectfully, I do not care what you do or do not believe about conspiracy theories, or the people involved with them. It really does not matter to me what you believe.

My reason for approaching you was very simple: you haven't been posting in accordance with this forum's guidelines.

You are clearly on a personal mission to warn persons about the dangers of having anything to do with conspiracy theories.

You said you believe it is your "duty" to do so:

After I have seen the damage it can do, I feel it’s my duty as a Christian and a human being.

Okay, so go with your conscience. We all should. But you haven't been following the rules here in the way that you've been working to carry out your mission.

According to forum rules, posters are to present a conspiracy theory, and support the theory with evidence (i.e. YouTube videos, articles, deductive reasoning). However, you have repeatedly open threads here without presenting a conspiracy theory. Simple as that.

Conspiracy Theories Forum Statement of Purpose
Welcome to the Conspiracy Theories forum. This is a forum for discussing topics that are considered to be conspiracy theories. This means that your OP should present a conspiracy theory that you believe in and can post supporting evidence for (i.e. YouTube videos, articles, deductive reasoning).

Now that you've stated in this thread that "my personal conspiracy theory is that conspiracy theories are dangerous", I expect we will begin to see your theory presented in each of your opening posts, that is, if you intend to post within forum guidelines.

I am not your enemy, Michie. And I am not "consumed" (as you say) with conspiracy theories. Not every person who listens to or investigates a conspiracy theory is "consumed" with it. I do however believe that you have become consumed with shutting down all talk and interest in conspiracy theories because of your sister's very unfortunate health situation.

It's a big mission you've taken on. But if you continue to open thread after thread after thread containing internet articles about 'the evils' of conspiracies theories and the people interested in them, it's a pretty sure thing that you'll eventually chase away most persons who come here to fellowship. So, just give it time, and be patient ...

 

[Michie]

I wasn't intending to do that, Michie. You continue to misread me.
I am not here "defending conspiracy theories" to you.
However, I do defend the right for persons to discuss them.
And this forum has been set up as a place for them to do so.


Respectfully, I do not care what you do or do not believe about conspiracy theories, or the people involved with them. It really does not matter to me what you believe.

My reason for approaching you was very simple: you haven't been posting in accordance with this forum's guidelines.

You are clearly on a personal mission to warn persons about the dangers of having anything to do with conspiracy theories.

You said you believe it is your "duty" to do so:



Okay, so go with your conscience. We all should. But you haven't been following the rules here in the way that you've been working to carry out your mission.

According to forum rules, posters are to present a conspiracy theory, and support the theory with evidence (i.e. YouTube videos, articles, deductive reasoning). However, you have repeatedly open threads here without presenting a conspiracy theory. Simple as that.

Conspiracy Theories Forum Statement of Purpose
Welcome to the Conspiracy Theories forum. This is a forum for discussing topics that are considered to be conspiracy theories. This means that your OP should present a conspiracy theory that you believe in and can post supporting evidence for (i.e. YouTube videos, articles, deductive reasoning).

Now that you've stated in this thread that "my personal conspiracy theory is that conspiracy theories are dangerous", I expect we will begin to see your theory presented in each of your opening posts, that is, if you intend to post within forum guidelines.

I am not your enemy, Michie. And I am not "consumed" (as you say) with conspiracy theories. Not every person who listens to or investigates a conspiracy theory is "consumed" with it. I do however believe that you have become consumed with shutting down all talk and interest in conspiracy theories because of your sister's very unfortunate health situation.

It's a big mission you've taken on. But if you continue to open thread after thread after thread containing internet articles about 'the evils' of conspiracies theories and the people interested in them, it's a pretty sure thing that you'll eventually chase away most persons who come here to fellowship. So, just give it time, and be patient ...

I suggest you take it up with staff and stop bringing your grievances to the open board. I think we are free to discuss conspiracies theories pro or con. Nobody has insulted anyone one here and we have one thread asking where one can stop being addicted to conspiracy theories. I have a right to voice my concerns and I have the proof to back it up. If anyone here wants to believe things that are not true, that’s up to them but it’s pretty contradictory on several levels.

 

[Michie]

I wasn't intending to do that, Michie. You continue to misread me.
I am not here "defending conspiracy theories" to you.
However, I do defend the right for persons to discuss them.
And this forum has been set up as a place for them to do so.


Respectfully, I do not care what you do or do not believe about conspiracy theories, or the people involved with them. It really does not matter to me what you believe.

My reason for approaching you was very simple: you haven't been posting in accordance with this forum's guidelines.

You are clearly on a personal mission to warn persons about the dangers of having anything to do with conspiracy theories.

You said you believe it is your "duty" to do so:



Okay, so go with your conscience. We all should. But you haven't been following the rules here in the way that you've been working to carry out your mission.

According to forum rules, posters are to present a conspiracy theory, and support the theory with evidence (i.e. YouTube videos, articles, deductive reasoning). However, you have repeatedly open threads here without presenting a conspiracy theory. Simple as that.

Conspiracy Theories Forum Statement of Purpose
Welcome to the Conspiracy Theories forum. This is a forum for discussing topics that are considered to be conspiracy theories. This means that your OP should present a conspiracy theory that you believe in and can post supporting evidence for (i.e. YouTube videos, articles, deductive reasoning).

Now that you've stated in this thread that "my personal conspiracy theory is that conspiracy theories are dangerous", I expect we will begin to see your theory presented in each of your opening posts, that is, if you intend to post within forum guidelines.

I am not your enemy, Michie. And I am not "consumed" (as you say) with conspiracy theories. Not every person who listens to or investigates a conspiracy theory is "consumed" with it. I do however believe that you have become consumed with shutting down all talk and interest in conspiracy theories because of your sister's very unfortunate health situation.

It's a big mission you've taken on. But if you continue to open thread after thread after thread containing internet articles about 'the evils' of conspiracies theories and the people interested in them, it's a pretty sure thing that you'll eventually chase away most persons who come here to fellowship. So, just give it time, and be patient ...

By the way. I did not say you were consumed by conspiracy theories. Conspiracy theories consume. Nothing in those articles call people who fall for conspiracy theories evil.

 

[mourningdove~]

I suggest you take it up with staff and stop bringing your grievances to the open board. I think we are free to discuss conspiracies theories pro or con. Nobody has insulted anyone one here and we have one thread asking where one can stop being addicted to conspiracy theories. I have a right to voice my concerns and I have the proof to back it up. If anyone here wants to believe things that are not true, that’s up to them but it’s pretty contradictory on several levels.

By the way. I did not say you were consumed by conspiracy theories. Conspiracy theories consume. Nothing in those articles call people who fall for conspiracy theories evil.

Done here.
Appears you haven't heard, or understood, most of what I've already written.

 

[Michie]

As you have not heard me.
God bless you.