It can be difficult to watch people deny scientific consensus or well-established facts. What we're facing, as you've rightly pointed out, is often not a dispute over interpretations of reality but a straight denial of it. It's concerning because this has real world implications, particularly when it comes to climate change, where denial or inaction can lead to irreversible damage.
The role of strong leaders and echo chambers in spreading these narratives can't be ignored. In a lot of cases, people are not necessarily brainwashed, but rather trapped in an information bubble that consistently feeds them a distorted version of reality. These echo chambers can reinforce beliefs and shut out contradicting viewpoints.
Political memes and other forms of bite-sized information indeed have their pitfalls. While they can be entertaining and have potential for raising awareness, they often oversimplify complex issues and sometimes propagate misinformation.
However, it's important to engage in respectful dialogue rather than labeling those who disagree as part of a 'hateful cult'. The best way to combat misinformation is through education and conversation. If we dismiss or insult those who hold different views, we may inadvertently push them further into their echo chambers, making constructive discourse even more difficult. We need to be more understanding and empathetic in our approach to dealing with these situations.