Escaping The Rabbit Hole: A Comprehensive Review

Mark Spearman
3 min readJan 7, 2024
Running Man Asking Questions On His Sign. Photo available at markspearman.com.

In “Escaping The Rabbit Hole,” Mick West, a semi-retired gaming programmer, explores the world of conspiracy theories. The book is a unique blend of skepticism and exploration which delves into the psychological aspects of those who have “fallen down the rabbit hole” of such theories. But who is Mick West, and what makes him qualified to guide us?

Background of the Author

Mick West brings to the table years of experience, not as a conventional expert in psychology or sociology, but as someone deeply entrenched in the world of gaming and online communities. His background as a gaming programmer is particularly relevant given his insights into how artificial intelligence in video games may contribute to addictive behaviors and potential conspiracies.

The Core Message

West’s book attempts to dismantle the mindset of a conspiracy theorist, drawing on his personal experiences, his work on debunking websites, and academic literature. This journey is not without its contradictions. For instance, West suggests that conspiracy theorists distrust individuals like himself who invest time in investigation, yet he also notes these theorists’ reluctance to abandon their beliefs due to their own deep investments in these theories.

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Mark Spearman

I hail from Central Ohio. I have a diverse background and enjoy writing to the fullest. See more at http://markspearman.com