The thrill of the game: Why are people drawn into conspiracy theories?
Conspiracy theories have become a mental contagion, fuelled by social media and weaponised by celebrities and politicians. More interesting, however, is how individuals get pulled into their thrall.
April 16, 2021
“[Studies show] up to 80 per cent of people now believe in at least one conspiracy theory,” says Dr Mathew Marques, a lecturer in social psychology at Melbourne’s La Trobe University.
Credit:Illustrations by Sam Bennett
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It’s the day of Joe Biden’s inauguration as US President, and conspiracy hives around the world are abuzz with news of his imminent arrest as part of a military coup. As usual, details are vague and sources unnamed. Yet online conspiracy feeders gobble it up, believing Biden’s arrest – for “illegal dealings”, or something – will lead, somehow or other, to Donald Trump’s return as leader of the free world.
Inside the mind of a conspiracy theorist
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Inside the mind of a conspiracy theorist
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