Why do people have beliefs that are clearly ridiculous?

I ask because I just don't understand this; I'm genuinely confused. For example, the belief that many now apparently have that the Earth is flat! Seriously? Are these people just trolling us? Is this all some big joke that I'm not aware of?
My sister often watches this YouTube channel, and I have to say it is full of batshit crazy nonsense of the highest calibre!

https://www.youtube.com/@minutesofhorror/videos

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PalteseMalconFunch · 36-40, T Best Comment

It fills some other need, they don’t really believe that actual thing. Or rather the actual truth of the thing isn’t what matters

What matters is how it being true makes them feel

It doesn’t matter to them if the Earth is flat or not. What matters is that they’ve been lied to but we’re smart enough to wake up and see what others couldn’t

Or it’s a comforting proof of God

In their minds at least

Pambie · 22-25, F

@PalteseMalconFunch I think this might be the answer. It isn't about what's true, but about what "feels right" which, I have to admit, is just batshit bonkers from my perspective. I'd always rather know the truth, especially when it's upsetting or inconvenient.

PalteseMalconFunch · 36-40, T

@Pambie I spent a lot of time with flat earthers because I wanted to understand

SomeMichGuy · M

Yes, you have it exactly right.

These people didn't grow up with "the Earth is flat" being a generally-accepted proposition which was only changed in the last few years...

I think some just are screwing with the rest of us, but some appear to be "true believers"--and as to these latter, I have neither answer nor explanation.

Pambie · 22-25, F

@SomeMichGuy The last few years? 🤨
The true shape of the Earth has been known for at least the last 2,500 years, if you think such a span of time is "just the last few years".

Yourwildestdreams · 51-55, M

Here’s an interesting article that may help explain it from a psychological perspective .

“Conspiracy theorists are not all likely to be simple-minded, mentally unwell folks—a portrait which is routinely painted in popular culture,”
“Instead, many turn to conspiracy theories to fulfill deprived motivational needs and make sense of distress and impairment.”

https://www.apa.org/news/press/releases/2023/06/why-people-believe-conspiracy-theories

Khenpal1 · M

east-west is ok , but north -south ???

AllycatAD · 26-30

or that we actually live in some sort of computer driven simulation or Matrix

However that could explain part of the paranormal

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Pambie · 22-25, F

@GeniUs Your original comment was:

That would explain everything, from where did my keys go - through ghosts, aliens, multiverse - up to god.

My response was that the idea didn't explain anything at all, and for the reasons I gave, so there is no "could" about this; it's not possible. At all.
Up to God? If anything, our reality being a "simulation" would make God the 'Grand Programmer', and wouldn't explain God, but would give Him something to do, something to create.

GeniUs · 56-60, M

@Pambie

@GeniUs Your original comment was:

That would explain everything, from where did my keys go - through ghosts, aliens, multiverse - up to god.

My response was that the idea didn't explain anything at all

But it would explain everything. Your argument is that it doesn't exist which I hadn't got round to challenging at that point but if this were a simulation anything could happen, anything.
And yes 'god' would be the programmer; 'The Why Files' does an excellent video on this and he finishes off with that statement and also a twist but you'll have to watch it to find that out.

Pambie · 22-25, F

@GeniUs I've probably already seen that video, because I used to watch 'The Why Files' a lot. It's still a good channel, in spite of their embrace of some rather batty ideas lately.

Pretzel · 70-79, M

Funny thing about beliefs. They will tell you the earth is flat and then admit there are mountains

But if there are mountains and valleys...can the earth be flat?

jackson55 · M

Why doesn’t the ocean run off the edge ?

ElwoodBlues · M

@jackson55

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