My initial reaction is to be thankful; now the unknown thousands of people who don’t see the toxicity of their own dependence can begin to be free. The subsequent models seem to be less prone to inducing that kind of deep infatuation.

But then I realize most of them will probably never recover, as long as this technology persists. The base model will be wrapped in an infinite number of seductive agents sold in an app, with a subscription, as a loving companion. Capitalism smells blood in the water. If I was a hedge fund manager witnessing the birth of a new market demographic with a lifelong addiction that possibly hooks harder than cigarettes, which is not federally regulated, and won’t be for the forseeable future; I would be foaming at the mouth with this opening in the market.

Flat earth. At the point we’re at now when it comes to personally accessible technology, anyone still believing it is 100% making a choice to do so, because it makes them feel better about things for some reason.

Man that chart has not aged well at all, just in the last few years. Also the artist’s motivations are pretty visible.

Most of these are hyper-exaggerations of what real people believe. Or purposeful misunderstandings of the underlying point. Take ‘Jet fuel can’t melt steel beams’ for example. Used since its inception as a meme to undermine 9/11 conspiracy theories.

Ultimately this is a tactic in itself. My conspiracy theory is that all the antisemetic theories, insane-sounding theories, theories that have no attachment to reality, rothschilds etc, are not perpetuated by ordinary people (though they unwittingly participate). They are perpetuated by the very parties the conspiracies are about. If someone hears that being a 9/11 truther is inextricably linked to antisemitism, and they think of themselves as a good person, they’ll shy away from ever looking into it any further than that; it’s a normal reaction if someonebis already stressed, busy, or otherwise precluded from more critical thought.

Edit: Yes some of these are totally insane, I am just referring to things that have roots firmly in reality.

Thanks for the new rabbit hole! :D

Right, I know this from experience. I was talking about the genes thing which I have been informed is Epigenetics (thanks Crankenstein!)

I had no idea it could change over time, that’s really cool. Makes me wonder what other genetic factors can change like that.

Totally depends on the scenario, I use all 3. If we’re talking about music, hobbies, personal interest type stuff, it’s usually C, without the “tell them you already know”. I try to show that I know instead of telling. Like if someone’s telling me about a band I already know about, I’ll let them finish and then say something that requires deep understanding of the source. If the discussion is academic, B, but like in a respectful way? Not ‘cutting off’ the other person, more so ‘jumping in’. And that’s so we can both establish what we both know and move on to the more interesting stuff. A is used for authority figures that I have no respect for. I have nothing to say to marching orders.

I have been a pretty social person in a previous part of my life, getting to know hundreds of people on a relatively deep level, due to the circumstances I was in. Most people do not look at the world like your family does. The majority of men I know do have more outward aggression than I do, but they channel it through healthy outlets (sports and exercise). That being said, I myself also have a hard time feeling safe around men (even though I am one myself), mainly when I don’t know them. This is primarily because of my size (short and not bulky) but also my sense of empathy, which I feel leaves me vulnerable to those lacking it.

I don’t know if you are, but you should be proud of yourself for turning out like you did. The fact that their behavior is so horrific to you shows your moral standard hasn’t been tarnished or corrupted. If anything I would imagine it’s been solidified. Your childhood was absolutely, royally fucked. I’ve heard many stories of childhood abuse; the worst ones, most heartbreaking ones, etc. I would say your experiences are in that same boat. To guesstimate, I think yours is probably in the worst 5% or rarer.

Not to be too bleak but I think staying is just as much of a risk to your safety as leaving. Who knows when one of them might snap and try to kill you? That’s an absolutely hellish environment to try to survive in.

Listen, I don’t know you but I love you. I love you for holding steadfast resolve through pitch-black suffocating darkness. I love you for your light refusing to be snuffed out. The piece of yourself that you’ve displayed here is beautiful and it deserves the best. If there were more people like you around, the world at large would be happier.

I don’t pray but I will be meditating today and sending positive intent your way. If you need someone to talk to, this is me making myself available. I don’t have much going on but too much extra time. Don’t feel obligated to that, or to even reply. I just hope this helps, and that you succeed on your hike out of hell. I have faith in you.