As scientists and politicians grapple with the best way to combat COVID-19, a wealth of online conspiracies have exploded across the internet proclaiming to have discovered the truth about the virus.
The narratives vary wildly, but if you live in the U.S. chances are high you’ve seen at least one. A June 2020 Pew Research survey found 71% of Americans had heard a theory that the pandemic was planned — and 25% believe it’s true.
This misinformation has clouded official narratives around the virus and lent undue legitimacy to movements opposing mask-wearing, social distancing and vaccines. But this aggressive skepticism is not unique to COVID.
An array of psychological tendencies encourage the spread of conspiracy. The illusory truth effect, for example, can make certain falsehoods start to feel true overtime if we’re exposed to them repeatedly.
Fear can also suppress our critical thinking skills, which is why you might find otherwise rational people sharing theories that don’t feel completely tethered to reality.
Conspiracy theories are also immensely difficult to disprove because of a unique “self-sealing quality” that they have. Presenting contrary evidence to someone who is conspiracy-minded sometimes only serves to bolster their thinking.
In regards to vaccines specifically, the anti-vaxx movement, which has been around as long as vaccines themselves, will undoubtedly complicate drug rollouts. This risk is highest in conservative states, several of which saw major case spikes in the summer of 2020.
But the behaviors that allow conspiracy theories to proliferate also reveal some points of hope.
If repeated falsehoods can appear true, then circulating well-documented, thoroughly investigated reports may have a similar effect.
A CLOSER LOOK AT POPULAR
CONSPIRACY THEORIES
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