WHAT ARE CONSPIRACY THEORIES?
CONSPIRACY THEORIES
Conspiracy theories have always been around, but the Internet is rapidly increasing how many people hear - and believe - them. In Frontline's "United States of Conspiracy" on PBS, the story of Alex Jones was told. At first, his conspiracies were not taken seriously and were more-so entertainment than anything else. However, due to algorithms on Internet platforms such as YouTube, Jones quickly gained popularity and was able to reach more people than ever before. Many people began to take his claims seriously. After Jones adamantly, emotionally, and falsely endorsed the Pizza Gate conspiracy theory, a man entered the restaurant with a gun in an attempt to find those involved. Because of the Internet, such far-fetched conspiracy theories are able to reach many more people than ever before... and with dangerous consequences. Jones is just one of many.
Real Consequences
When former President Donald Trump continuously pushed his conspiracy theory that the presidential election was rigged and he was the true winner, many of his supporters stormed the capitol in the infamous January 6 riot. Five people died as a result of the riot, and more were injured. Protestors sought to kill political figures who they believed were unjustly supporting a 'rigged' election. Because this conspiracy theory widely circulated the Internet with help from the president, violence occurred and our very democracy was threatened.
IF THEY'RE REALLY FALSE, WHY DO SO MANY PEOPLE BELIEVE THEM?
Social psychologist Sander van der Linden of the University of Cambridge says that when misinformation provides simple reasoning for random occurrences, "it helps restore a sense of agency and control for many people." Especially in wake of trying events such as deadly terrorist attacks, mass shootings, political turmoil, and pandemics, sometimes believing a simple lie is easier than attempting to digest the complicated truth.