Playing Chess With a Pigeon.

Debating a Conspiracy Theorist

​I am often asked how to know if your points are getting through in a debate with a conspiracy theorist, here are a few signs to look for.

​The Pregnant Pause

​When you're debating someone like a flat-earther and there's a significant delay before they respond, this is known as a pregnant pause. This pause is often a sign of confusion or a lack of data to respond with. Your opponent may genuinely not know how to counter your point because your argument was particularly strong, surprising, or introduced new information they hadn't considered.

​During this pause, your opponent is scrambling to come up with a credible answer, or perhaps they've recognized a flaw in their own argument. If you want to know if you've truly landed a point, just measure the time it takes for them to respond. A significant silence followed by a flood of responses is a good indication that they had to take a moment to think and figure out how to challenge what you said.

​The Immediate Insult

​Another way to know if you've struck a nerve is if they immediately resort to insults. When a conspiracy theorist or conservative lacks a solid response, they may hurl back insults without sources. They do this when they feel trapped or don't have something they can easily counter with. While they might sometimes experience a pregnant pause and then respond, if they immediately jump in with insults, you know you've landed a blow.

​The Pigeon Analogy

​In reality, you'll know you've "won" the debate with a flat-earther when it feels like playing chess with a pigeon. The pigeon will simply flap its wings, knock over all the pieces, defecate on the board, and then strut around as if it has won.