OPINION: CONSPIRACY THEORIES (AND HOW TO AVOID THEM) B Y JA R E T G O L D
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n the last few years, there has been a worrying er to identify. One of these common trend of rising mistrust in institutions that the threads is the belief in an evil “shadnation has long held dear. The media, the gov- ow network” that controls events ernment, and the very system of democracy are behind the scenes. Of course, there under attack. One of many reasons for this is the rise is usually no evidence for such orin popularity of conspiracy theories. Because of the In- ganizations existing, but conspiracy ternet, the availability of information, and media po- theorists will simply argue that the evidence has been larization, conspiracy theories have never held a more covered up. This trope includes the broad generalizaprominent and normalized role in American society. tion that entire groups of people are in on the conIt is vitally important for everyone to understand what spiracy. Government elites, the media, and Hollywood conspiracy theories are common targets are, how to identifor conspiracy theofy them, and ways to rists. In real life, things avoid becoming enare much more comsnared in mistruths. plicated. Conspiracy Some conspiracies theories often provide have been borne out a sense of simplicity to by the facts. Watergate, their followers. big tobacco’s coverup According to of the harmful effects Jovan Byford, a proof smoking, and even fessor of psychology the recent evidence at Open University in that Governor Cuomo the UK, one can deof New York conspired termine how credible to cover up nursing a conspiracy theory The above graph show some common conspirahome death numbers is by watching for imcy theories, and the percentage of Americans who have all been proven true portant dates that the believe in them. The theories surrounding Presiby extensive research and conspiracy group claims dent John F. Kennedy’s asassination have long been investigations by credian event will occur on. the most mainstream conspiracy theory in the US. ble journalists. But, many For example, every year (Credit: YouGov) have no basis in reality doomsday cults claim and are supported by folthat the world will end, lowers who claim that the and of course, it never truth will someday come out. Ultimately, what makes does. According to adherents of QAnon, on March conspiracy theories different from actual cover-ups is 4th, former President Donald Trump will somehow the absence of facts and solid research. Real-world cov- become President again. This seems questionable er-ups don’t signify something larger than themselves. because of the group’s previous false alarms. QAnon For example, there is no link between a government claimed the mass arrests of government elites would coverup and an all-powerful “deep state.” On the other occur on November 3, 2018. When nothing happened, hand, many conspiracy theorists claim cover-ups are the date was moved to December 5. Again, nothing. connected, and there is one grand motive to them all. They moved it up to January 19, then March 19, and so Conspiracy theories often have several underlying on. None of the purported arrests happened. themes which connect them all and make them easi- As one final example, take the theory that the US 26
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