COVID truthers use four enticing promises to gain a loyal following.
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Articles on Conspiracy theories
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In an age of antibiotics and scientific reason, we like to think we’re more rational than our forebears. But the early history of conspiracy theories suggests some behaviours persist through time.
We’ve spent ages learning about the people who think they’ve come from another planet, so you don’t have to.
A big reason the idea is gaining momentum globally is that the benefits for the health of individuals, communities and the environment are clear and almost immediate.
A new book examining New Zealand’s extreme and alt-right movements tackles an important issue. But it could have defined its terms better and provided more evidence for its claims.
The mysterious QAnon network is becoming an international movement, and an estimated 22% of Americans back one of its core beliefs.
Around 43% of university graduates in Turkey believe a conspiracy theory that secret clauses are about to be revealed from a 100-year-old treaty.
Those who feel disenfranchised from mainstream leaders are vulnerable to falling for the promises of online ‘leaders’ and ‘alt-moral entrepreneurs’.
Why deep state conspiracies keep on spinning out of control.
The key to understanding online conspiracy theorists is to understand how the line between fantasy and reality can become blurred.
One in seven respondents believed the victims of the Manchester terrorist attack were ‘crisis actors’.
Many conspiracy theories and disinformation are rooted in antisemitic tropes which spread harm and undermine our democratic institutions.
Worrying about how many people believe false ideas misses the real danger – that people are influenced by them whether they believe them or not.
Belief in conspiracy theories can be incredibly damaging. So we must resist, and engage with those who deny the facts where possible.
Conspiracy theories help people make sense of chaos and tragedy by finding a ‘reason’ behind the coincidences.
Romana Didulo and her followers are seeking to replace legitimate governments via their sovereign citizenship movement. Their claims are outrageous and baseless, but they must not be ignored.
With the exception of a few states, dereliction of a duty is mostly used in military law and does not apply to citizens, including US presidents.
Overcoming conspiracy theories isn’t just about information. A scholar of religion explains that the emotions they inspire are part of their appeal.
Romana Didulo has declared herself the Queen of Canada. Thousands of people follow her and her outlandish conspiracy theories, and here’s why that’s so dangerous.
Why do people believe conspiracies like flat-Earth theory? An expert explains.
Top contributors
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Chair of Cognitive Psychology, University of Bristol
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Host of The Anthill Podcast, The Conversation
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Reader in Applied Cognitive Psychology, Manchester Metropolitan University
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Senior Lecturer and Researcher in Cognitive and Parapsychology, Manchester Metropolitan University
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Professor of Social Psychology, University of Kent
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Professor of American Studies, University of Manchester
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PhD candidate Individualized Program, 2020-2021 Public Scholar, Concordia University
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Research Assistant Professor, Center for Climate Change Communication, George Mason University
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Senior Lecturer in Philosophy and Education; Curriculum Director, UQ Critical Thinking Project, The University of Queensland
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Assistant Professor in Social Psychology, University of Nottingham
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Senior Lecturer in Psychology, The Open University
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Department of Media & Culture, Faculty of Humanities, University of Amsterdam
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Professor of Organisation Studies, University of Bristol
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Senior Lecturer in Physics, Nottingham Trent University
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Professor of American Literary and Cultural History, University of Tübingen
