I think what has been happening with some of the recent implosions from PW posters is that they get used to spending time in right-wing echo chambers where the main goal appears to be to work each other into a state of grievance frenzy. In that context, all that is needed is to share with others some example of "this makes me big angry" which goes both unquestioned and yet communally reinforced.
When they step outside that circle, jerks ask them questions about both the veracity of what they're claiming as well as why it's so triggering for them. At which point their brain breaks and they lash out. Cognitive dissonance is a real burden and must be avoided at all costs, including the denial of reality.
At least that's my current take on it from the outside. Could make for some great studies in the aftermath looking at what led to our own contributions in Lysenko-type science, Hypernormalization, and the cult of personality.
When they step outside that circle, jerks ask them questions about both the veracity of what they're claiming as well as why it's so triggering for them. At which point their brain breaks and they lash out. Cognitive dissonance is a real burden and must be avoided at all costs, including the denial of reality.
At least that's my current take on it from the outside. Could make for some great studies in the aftermath looking at what led to our own contributions in Lysenko-type science, Hypernormalization, and the cult of personality.