Fake News: Why are Conspiracy Theories Spreading in America?

From 9/11-truthers to flat-earthers, anti-vaxxers, pizzagate, lizard people, the deep state, QAnon and many more, this period could be considered the golden age of conspiracy theories. After all, misinformation and distrust are rampant, allowing ideas that are not based in reality to have some very real impacts on the world. 

Why is this occurring? Some answers can be found by examining the past. There are some common conditions that can occur in society making it easier for conspiracy theories to rise in popularity. Sander van der Linden, a social psychologist conducting research on conspiracy theories at Cambridge, was quoted in Vox, saying, “You see this kind of boom in conspiracies whenever there’s political or social unrest throughout history … whenever there is significant uncertainty in the world.” 

One example of this is the Salem witch trials. The 1690s were full of change. Women’s rights were expanding, there were frequent conflicts with Native Americans and the place of religion in society was being questioned. Looking for security, people turned to a conspiracy theory. The idea that a large network of secret witches was looking to undermine society caught like wildfire. This led to the hanging of nineteen victims.

The idea that a large network of evildoers exists continued into McCarthyism and is present  today with the conspiracy of the deep state. The appeal of conspiracy theories has also remained the same. To their followers, these far-fetched plots add stability and meaning in a world that is volatile and often makes no sense at all. 

2020 and 2021 have been a time of extreme uncertainty and sociopolitical unrest. Many people feel isolated and are turning to social media in search of a community. Online, it is all too easy to stumble across conspiracy theories. A recent study by MIT academics found that fake news is 70 percent more likely to be retweeted. Also, due to the current algorithms of social media, users are fed more and more of the same opinions, creating an echo chamber. 

However, social media platforms are not the only ones to blame. Adam Enders, a researcher of the effects of conspiracies on politics, noted the weaponization of conspiracy theories. In an interview with Politico Magazine, he stated, “Entrepreneurial politicians have realized that they can tap into these conspiratorial populist sentiments that can be activated … Strategic politicians can cue conspiratorial thinking.”

At the core of the problem of conspiracies there may be a much simpler cause that lies in human physiology. Our brains like novelty. People believe in these plots because it’s fun. Living in a world full of “real-life” superheroes and villains and plots is entertaining. It fills a void, providing community, meaning and purpose in some people’s lives.

The question left is: How can the world and individuals combat misinformation and non-reality? Find out some possible solutions next week.

Sierra Lastine is a sophomore

English literature major from

Grand Junction, Colo.