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There's the one upping approach, when they start talking about how the moon landing was faked you could call them sheep for believing the moon exists.

I don't think it's a good strategy for improving discourse, but some people probably find the creative element enjoyable.

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The "Four Yorkshiremen" approach to conspiracy theory discussions :-))

Back in my day, the Earth was static toroid at the centre of the solar system

My bro does this. I'm not convinced it works as intended. But does give him another dopamine hit.

To give you a sense of his motivations: He's a former debate captain, coach, judge. Pendants about grammar, punctuation, pronunciation. Still believes logic and facts are persuasive. Especially said louder, with more sarcasm and derision.

I'm trying to be less like that. Old habits are hard to change.

Keep upping the wackiness until the other person is the one trying to talk you down, then nourish the arrow of scepticism and reason.

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