Truth decayThe mainstreaming of conspiracy theories
Is paranoia running rampant? Are believers getting the upper hand? The idea that the moon landing was fake is too exotic for most of us. But who truly believes that global warming is a hoax, or that dark forces rule the world? Quite a few people, according to a researcher of conspiracy theories.
Is paranoia running rampant? Are believers getting the upper hand? The idea that the moon landing was fake is too exotic for most of us. But who truly believes that global warming is a hoax, or that dark forces rule the world?
Quite a few people, according to Professor Stef Aupers from the Institute for Media Studies at KU Leuven University in Belgium. His research focuses on conspiracy theorists. “Research shows that half of all Americans believe in at least one conspiracy theory. According to another study, ten to thirty per cent believe in conspiracies behind the murder of Princess Diana, the moon landing, or a new world order – or, at least, they consider these theories to be plausible.”
Surprisingly large numbers, in other words. However, Aupers is quick to nuance: “The stereotypical conspiracy theorist – suffering from delusions and wearing a tin foil hat – is still rare. But there is an increasing number of people with doubts, critical citizens who approach reality with a certain amount of skepticism and who are open to alternative theories. This number includes the people who consider some conspiracy theories to be ‘plausible’. There’s no point in demonizing or pathologizing conspiracy thinking as a whole. Because a healthy democracy requires open discussion – provided it is fact-based, of course.”
Religion for atheists
Today’s public debate is a seedbed of conspiracy theories, says Aupers. “How can we still know what is true? That used to be a question for philosophers; today, it’s relevant to every single one of us. With Donald Trump, there’s even a conspiracy theorist right in the center of power. Trump openly supported the conspiracy theory that Barack Obama didn’t have an American birth certificate. He constantly fosters rumors, including the idea that climate change is a hoax. In many cases, he drops a vague allegation on Twitter, along the lines of ‘Something’s going on…’ But sometimes, he flat-out suggests that global warming is a construction invented by the Chinese.”
