Conspiracy theories can be found in every corner of the globe and in every aspect of life. They can be about politics, economics, science, the media, and even pop culture. Some conspiracy theories are widely believed, like that the 2020 US presidential election was rigged, Trump was the real winner, while others are considered fringe or absurd even among people who believe in other conspiracies, like the idea that the Earth is in reality flat and not round. Conspiracy theories can be difficult to prove or disprove, and the belief in them can have serious consequences if people act on them without verifying the facts, like in the case of the US presidential election theory where an angry mob attacked the US Capitol on Jan 6th, 2021. It’s important to be critical of conspiracy theories and to seek out reliable sources of information when trying to understand complex events or issues.
But what is a conspiracy theory? A conspiracy theory is a belief that a group of people is secretly working together to achieve a common goal, especially one that is harmful or illegal. These theories often involve a plot to cover up or hide the truth about something, and they are usually based on incomplete or distorted information. It’s important to be critical of conspiracy theories and to seek out reliable sources of information when trying to understand complex events or issues. One of the things that draw people into believing in conspiracy theories is that they provide several things at once. They offer an explanation to problems that can be difficult to understand, and they speak to some people’s inherent mistrust in the “system”. In this way they can help fulfil important functions for the personal, social, and political identity for those who believe in them.
Want to find out more? Read the Critical Balance e-book for youth workers on critical thinking and conspiracy theories.
