Conspiracy Theories Archives

Support for QAnon Is Hard to Measure – And Polls May Overestimate It

It’s hard to know how many people actually believe the key tenets of QAnon’s claims,...

Can QAnon Survive Another ‘Great Disappointment’ on March 4?

Apocalyptic movements rarely simply dissolve when prophecies are seen to fail.

Conspiracy Theories May Start to Take Hold at Age 14

Many adolescents have been home schooled and isolated from their peer groups for much of...

Why Do Mass Shootings Spawn Conspiracy Theories?

While conspiracy theories are not limited to any topic, one type of event seems particularly...

What Lies Beneath: Tunnels for Trafficking, Or Just a Subterranean Service?

One conspiracy theory “going viral” is that extensive operations are taking place to rescue children...

Why Creationism Bears All the Hallmarks of a Conspiracy Theory

In the US today, up to 40% of adults agree with the young Earth creationist...

Conspiracy Theories: Why Are They Thriving in the Pandemic?

In contrast to past crises, recent conspiracy theories have been driven by the rapid change...

How to Counter COVID-19 Misinformation on Chinese Social Media

Conspiracy theories and misinformation are global phenomena that affect people’s perceptions of other countries.

The Myths Behind the Tattoos Worn by ‘QAnon Shaman’ Jake Angeli

The defining image of the storming of the US Capitol on January 6 was undoubtedly...

The Offline Effect of Online Conspiracy Theories

What is the cost of propaganda, misinformation and conspiracy theories? Democracy and public safety, to...

How to Reduce the Spread of Fake News – By Doing Nothing

It might seem counterintuitive, but the best way to react to fake news – and...

Conspiracy Theories May Seem Irrational – But They Fulfill a Basic Human Need

Many irrational beliefs are attempts to protect mental health by responding to the human need...