Conspiracy Theory

[TwoWhalesInAPool]

The Conversation is a network of not-for-profit media outlets that publish news stories on the Internet that are written by academics and researchers, under a free Creative Commons licence, allowing reuse but only without modification.

Welcome to part one of the expert guide to conspiracy theories, a new series from The Conversation’s Anthill podcast. Over six episodes they explore why people believe in conspiracy theories, how they spread and how dangerous they are.

PART 1: How to Spot a Conspiracy Theory

 

[TwoWhalesInAPool]

Part 2 – who believes them and why?​

 

[TwoWhalesInAPool]

Expert guide to conspiracy theories​

Part 3 – Their history​

How are the origins of the French Revolution connected with Beyoncé, Jay Z and Rihanna? The answer lies with one of the world's most mysterious – and misunderstood – secret societies, the Illuminati.

 

[TwoWhalesInAPool]

Part 4 – how they spread​

Explores whether the internet has been a game changer in helping conspiracy theories go viral. First, though, we find out how conspiracy theories spread before platforms like Facebook and YouTube came along and gave everyone the power to broadcast their thoughts to the world.

 

[TwoWhalesInAPool]

Part 5 – how dangerous are they?​

Conspiracy theories might be entertaining but they can also be dangerous. Sadly, what often starts off as a bit of fun can turn sour quite quickly – even if it’s laughing about the idea that Rihanna or Katy Perry are part of the Illuminati. We find out how.

 

[TwoWhalesInAPool]

Part 6 – Coronavirus​

A number of conspiracy theories have sprung up in relation to the coronavirus pandemic.

 

[TwoWhalesInAPool]

Coronavirus is a breeding ground for conspiracy theories – here’s why that’s a serious problem

The novel coronavirus continues to spread around the world, with new cases being reported all the time. Spreading just as fast, it seems, are conspiracy theories that claim powerful actors are plotting something sinister to do with the virus. Our research into medical conspiracy theories shows that this has the potential to be just as dangerous for societies as the outbreak itself.

contd: The Conversation website link below -
Coronavirus is a breeding ground for conspiracy theories – here's why that's a serious problem

Severe consequences​

In light of these results, people who endorse conspiracy theories about the coronavirus may be less likely to follow health advice like frequent hand-cleaning with alcohol-based hand rub or soap, or self-isolating after visiting at-risk areas.

Instead, these people may be more likely to have negative attitudes towards prevention behaviour or use dangerous alternatives as treatments. This would increase the likelihood of the virus spreading and put more people in danger.

 

[TwoWhalesInAPool]

Conspiracy theories can be very harmful for society. Not only can they influence people’s health choices, they can interfere with how different groups relate to each other and increase hostility and violence towards those who are perceived to be “conspiring”. So as well as acting to combat the spread of the coronavirus, governments should also act to stop misinformation and conspiracy theories relating to the virus from getting out of hand.

link - The Conversation website below.

Coronavirus is a breeding ground for conspiracy theories – here's why that's a serious problem