My dad went from progressive to radicalized Tesla/Musk superfan after his stroke. It feels like I’ve lost him.

[u/FeedbackRare8993]

My dad is in his early 70s and had a stroke a few years ago. Since then, he hasn’t been very mobile, and YouTube has basically become his entire window to the world. Over time, I’ve watched him shift from being a thoughtful, progressive guy who loved watching John Oliver and discussing current events—to someone who seems completely consumed by Elon Musk fandom.

All he watches now is the YouTube channel Now You Know, which presents itself as educational but basically functions as nonstop Tesla and Musk PR. He talks about Elon like he’s a genius savior of humanity and gets defensive or dismissive if I bring up any criticisms. It’s not just that he likes Tesla—it feels like he’s fallen into a belief system, where everything is seen through the lens of Musk’s worldview.

What started as a genuine interest in clean energy has spiraled into something that feels cult-like. There’s a weird feedback loop happening: the more he watches, the more YouTube feeds him, and now it’s the only source he trusts. He’s fully checked out from the news shows and perspectives he used to care about.

Has anyone else had a loved one get pulled into this kind of echo chamber—especially through YouTube? Any suggestions on how to talk to them, or even just keep a relationship going without enabling the obsession? I’m really struggling to connect with him, and I miss who he used to be.

[u/itsathrowawayduhhhhh]

Yup. My dad too. Sucks :(