The chance of running into someone with similar values and interests is much higher in a specialized community (such as on the internet or in academia).
I've found the most fascinating people are those that I share absolutely nothing in common with. I learn a lot about their lives and their views, and it's often fascinating. I met one person who is a fanatic Republican, something that I don't share, and she believes in a wide range of conspiracies. I've met people on the left that also have the same level of conspiracies coming from the other direction. Talking with people who are just like me is often boring and I find I learn a lot less that way.
The experience of being bullied plays a lot into me being cautious with random people, but this often served me well (e.g. when picking PIs, several people in my peer group ran right into abusive situations and ignored warnings - a lot of luck is involved already and it’s easy to slip here if you have not learned to take little warning signs seriously, or even perceive them). I’m still often trusting too quickly and have to hold myself back.
Don’t you think that the time you have spent with the republican conspiracy theorist, however fascinating, could have been better spent with someone who doesn’t have strange internet-formed beliefs? There are lots of people in specialized (e.g. nerd, travel) circles who are searching for true friendship who might have more common ground. I do talk to randos if there is such an initial filter. Most educated people in society seem to prefer it this way, there is a reason why the linked story creates a sense of novelty.
If you have any further suggestions, they are welcome.