This week, Kate and Chelsea dive deep into the world of conspiracy theories and conspiratorial thinking. Against the backdrop of the January 6th attacks in D.C., how do we investigate conspiracies, how they are spread, and who benefits from their propagation? The hosts investigate how conspiracy theories have been spread by social media and traditional forms of media, how they can be tools or weapons, and how fear and insecurity are psychological factors that contribute to the strong holds such theories can have on our imaginations.
Sources:
“Why Education Predicts Decreased Belief in Conspiracy Theories” by Jan-Willem Van Prooijen
Ad Fontes Media – Interactive Media Bias Chart
Education and Training Foundation – “Why do people adopt conspiracy theories?”
NPR – “Is Education Tied To Conspiracy Theory Belief? by Tania Lombrozo
Euro Scientist – “Education Can Help Against Conspiracy Theories” interview with Michael Butter