Conspiracy theories cannot just be dismissed
Creating Chemistry: What are conspiracy theories – is there an accepted definition?
PROFESSOR THAIANE OLIVERA: Conspiracy theories attempt to explain complex social phenomena in narratives. They criticize society and authorities, denouncing what they see as society’s ills. Traditionally found on the fringes of society, today they can also come from political leaders and the mainstream.
Why do people accept conspiracy theories and then hold on to them?
Frustration and resentment are key. Conspiracy theorists tend to be those who feel that they are not being heard; that their demands are not being met. They believe some authorities have become corrupt and self-serving and would like this to be corrected and purified. However, conspiracy theorists are not otherwise homogeneous, nor do they swallow every idea that comes along. Communications with like-minded people reinforce their beliefs, but they are not closed to new information.
What role does social media play in spreading conspiracy theories?
Digital social networks provide a meeting place for dissenting voices from society that share common feelings about complex social phenomena. Platform policies based on freedom of expression and algorithmically mediated personalized consumption have connived to amplify them.
How were conspiracy theories spread before social media?
There was always a way. People organized themselves socially, shared feelings and created explanations with neighbors, friends and family. Sometimes it was a joke among colleagues. But other times, so-called conspiracy theorists, or conspirators, needed underground meetings to overthrow authoritarian governments acting in their own interests. That’s why we can’t just dismiss conspiracy theories, because sometimes they bring up social problems and expose issues that go beyond a meaningless explanation.
What role do they play in politics more widely?
It can be tempting for the powerful to suppress criticism, especially in times of declining trust in those institutions, like science and media, that should underpin the democratic system. They take advantage of this disbelief and these feelings of resentment to present themselves as a necessary political change for the good of society. Once installed in power, they accuse political opponents of being conspiracy theorists or promoting lies. We live amid unprecedented technological change: biotech, artificial intelligence, facial recognition. Anxieties around these provide fertile ground for conspiracy theories that could be exploited for undemocratic purposes. We should not ignore this danger.
How can we protect ourselves against harmful conspiracy theories?
Dispute, challenge and skepticism are part of democracy. We need critics, and we need to accept that some criticisms will be wrong. Most conspiracy theorists argue that public institutions are not transparent enough. Institutions that are challenged by conspiracy theorists should see it as an opportunity to recognize their own responsibility. Civic participation, open debate and discussion are the keys to recovering public trust.
