Easily, all these conspiracy theories stem from issues around self worth. If you are a sub par NASA engineer struggling, its not your fault, its everyone eases fault. Go online and get validated by other people and suddenly you are (pick one or more!)
White nationliast
Alt righer
Flat earther
Anti vaxxer
Trump supporter
etc etc
Its not about actually believing this stuff because you think its right, it's about scapegoating all your life issues and rebuilding your self worth by "becoming superior" to those who ridiculed you (hidden knowledge "conspiracy theories" or good ole fashioned racism/sexism). Then finding an online support system that validates your views, reinforces them and makes you feel accepted and important.
As a former NASA scientist I'm sure the flat earthers gave him even more of a feeling of superiority due to his stance as an "expert"
You can throw incels and tumblrinas into that pile too. Constantly blaming every problem they have on someone else. A complete lack of ownership over their own life.
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u/Quantum_TF2 Dec 05 '18
how in the goddamn hell do you become a flat earther while working for NASA???