Escaping the Rabbit Hole: How to Debunk Conspiracy Theories Using Facts, Logic, and Respect

Mick West

Skyhorse Publishing, 2018

Agent: Jill Marr

The Earth is flat, the World Trade Center collapse was a controlled demolition, planes are spraying poison to control the weather, and actors faked the Sandy Hook massacre...

All these claims are bunk: falsehoods, mistakes, and some, outright lies. But many people passionately believe one or more of these conspiracy theories. They consume countless books and videos, join like-minded online communities, try to convert those around them, and even, on occasion, alienate their own friends and loved ones. Why is this, and how can you help people, especially those closest to you, break free from the downward spiral of conspiracy thinking? 

In Escaping the Rabbit Hole, author Mick West shares over a decade’s worth of knowledge and experience investigating and debunking false conspiracy theories through his forum, MetaBunk.org and sets forth a practical guide to helping friends and loved ones break free from the grip of bunk theories.

Perhaps counter-intuitively, the most successful approaches to helping individuals escape a rabbit hole aren’t comprised of simply explaining why they are wrong; rather West’s tried-and-tested approach emphasizes clear communication via mutual respect, honesty, openness, and patience.

West puts his debunking techniques and best practices to the test with four of the most popular false conspiracy theories today (Chemtrails, 9/11 Controlled Demolition, False Flags, and Flat Earth) — providing road maps to help you to understand your friend and help them escape the rabbit hole. These are accompanied by real-life case studies of individuals who, with help, were able to break free from conspiracism.

With sections on the wide spectrum of conspiracy theories, avoiding  the “shill” label, psychological factors and other complications, and concluding with a look at the future of debunking, Mick West has put forth a conclusive, well-researched, practical reference on why people fall down the conspiracy theory rabbit hole, and how you can help them escape.