More to be pitied than scolded ...wait no got that wrong way round

It actually has all the characteristics of a cult.
When I"m watching Utube videos and the 'flat earthers' start in their their 'brain dead' divel I usually copy and paste the following into the comments.
"Hi Apparently you haven't seen a globe map in a school room or library ect. Go take a look. Notice how all the continents fit perfectly all over it's surface with no grotesque distortion. Now go sit down, take a deep breath and relax. Let the realisation that you have just had a 'reality check' and the world has become much larger and a far more interesting place for you"

At least the muslim emams believe it.

As one who spent a good portion of his career as a systems engineer and mission analyst in satellite operations and space launch for companies like Lockheed Martin and Raytheon, I find the very notion that someone could actually believe this shit to be absurd. I mean, seriously? Take me to the edge and show me your proof. But even if they're serious about it, they're still effectively trolls and have absolutely no place in reasoned discourse or a discussion room on the topic of Science.

We have a word for one who exhibits a state of mind that is so disordered that it prevents normal perception, behavior, or social interaction--insane. As I recently reminded Kitarae, an apparent true believer in a flat earth, who claims to be "an intelligent, spirited, freethinker" and accused me of being 'closed minded' regarding the non-existence of NASA, the Hollywood conspiracy of the moon missions, and of course, a flat earth: 'Each is entitled to their own opinions, but not to their own facts.'

Some people actually do believe the earth is flat. But there are people who know it's not but keep spreading fake info to make the flatearthers think they are right. Some people love to cause problems.

I think many are serious, but there are a few who are just trolling...

Good question. I've been asking that question for months now. I think people are so disgruntled with any form of authority these days that they are willing to suspend rational thought to express their cynicism and angst. Many may have truly convinced themselves of the (il)logic of the flat-esrthers. There is also an anti-science movement prevalent in sectors of the public today. Willing to disparage anything having to do with science, while tapping on their smartphones. Oxymoron. Go figure.