How do people get hooked on them?

The Rise of Conspiracy Theories During the COVID-19 Pandemic

In May 2020, as the COVID-19 pandemic took hold, a protest erupted in Melbourne, Australia. On the steps of the Victorian Parliament House, a security guard named Fanos Panayides emerged as an unlikely leader, questioning lockdowns and restrictions. As he began linking vaccinations to the biblical "mark of the beast" – the number 666 – police moved to arrest him. For the small but vocal crowd, this moment was fraught with meaning: Panayides was uncovering a satanic secret, and his arrest was proof of a government cover-up. This incident marked the beginning of a pandemic protest movement deeply intertwined with conspiratorial thinking.

The early days of the Melbourne-based movement were dominated by people who had never considered themselves political activists before. The group was diverse, comprising individuals from various religious, age, ethnic, and occupational backgrounds. Over the next three years, the conspiracy theories grew increasingly wild. At their peak, some believed Melbourne’s strict lockdowns were orchestrated to install Chinese-made 5G technology, which could monitor vaccinated individuals through injected spike proteins and microchips. Others claimed children were being moved through underground tunnels to harvest their bodily fluids for the elites. Some even believed aliens were conducting experiments on "mole children" in tunnels stretching as far as Uluru. Meanwhile, others boiled vinegar to dispel "chemtrails" from planes or attacked 5G towers and vaccination centers.

Despite their differences, these protesters and conspiracists shared a common goal: to make sense of an unprecedented and disruptive global event. Conspiracy theories provided a framework for understanding frightening and unfamiliar circumstances, giving them a sense of agency. Some believed they were fighting secret forces, whether to expose paedophiles in power or protect children from imagined dangers. For many, these beliefs persisted long after the pandemic’s peak, shaping their worldview and actions.

Why People Are Attracted to Conspiracy Theories

It is too simplistic to dismiss conspiracy theorists as unintelligent or uneducated. Many are caring, worried individuals who want to understand and improve society. They often hold these beliefs because they resonate with their pre-existing worldviews. For example, someone who grew up believing in ghosts or angels may be more inclined to trust conspiratorial explanations. Similarly, theories about the moon landing or 9/11 being false flag operations persist despite overwhelming evidence to the contrary. Once people adopt such beliefs, they become resistant to contradictory evidence, as facts are filtered through their existing beliefs.

Interestingly, some conspiracy theories have been proven true over time, which can validate adherents’ suspicions. For instance, the U.S. government’s release of previously classified information about the 9/11 attacks has been cited by some as evidence that questioning official narratives can yield hidden truths. However, most conspiracy theories remain baseless. The problem arises in the gap between an event occurring and accurate information becoming available. This gap is where conspiracies flourish, as people seek answers in the absence of clarity.

Conspiracy theories are not just harmless ideas; they have real-world consequences. For example, the "Pizzagate" conspiracy, which falsely claimed Democrats were running a child sex ring in a pizza restaurant, led to violence and harassment. Similarly, the QAnon movement has deeply embedded itself in modern political discourse, fueling distrust in institutions and sparking violence, such as the January 6, 2021, insurrection at the U.S. Capitol. These events highlight the dangers of conspiracy thinking, which can erode trust in society, damage relationships, and even lead to violence.

The Role of Social Media and Disinformation

Social media has become a breeding ground for conspiracy theories. The echo chambers created by algorithms amplify fringe ideas, making them seem mainstream. During the pandemic, the phrase "do your own research" became a rallying cry for many, as individuals turned to online communities rather than expert sources. This shift has been exploited by bad actors, who spread misinformation for profit, political influence, or to destabilize democracy. For instance, the "Dirty Dozen" – 12 individuals and organizations – were responsible for 65% of anti-vaccine misinformation on social media, reaching over 59 million people.

The spread of conspiracy theories has been further aided by deepfakes and AI-generated content, which make it increasingly difficult to distinguish fact from fiction. As a result, trust in institutions, media, and governments has eroded. This erosion is not just a byproduct of conspiracy theories but a deliberate goal of some actors. Blaming individuals for being duped, however, is unfair, as the odds of discerning truth in a chaotic information landscape are stacked against them.

The Impact on Society and Trust

The consequences of conspiracy theories extend beyond individual beliefs. They disrupt social cohesion, as adherents often lose jobs, friendships, and even family relationships. Conspiracy thinking also becomes a template for interpreting other issues, from school curriculums to climate change. In Australia, post-pandemic anti-restriction groups have evolved into civic-minded movements with a foundation in conspiracy theories. These groups have disrupted local council meetings, harassed drag queens, and spread misinformation about chemtrails and satanic paedophiles.

The rise of conspiracy theories raises fundamental questions: What counts as a fact? Does truth matter in an era where misinformation is rampant? While offering accurate information can help, it is not a panacea. Trust is eroded when people believe in an evil, secret plot operating in the shadows. Conspiracy theories coalesce around mistrust, suspicion, and fear, creating a cycle that is difficult to break.

A Way Forward in the Age of Doubt

Addressing the challenge of conspiracy theories requires a nuanced approach. While exposing them to scrutiny and providing accurate information can help, it is not enough. Trust must be rebuilt, and institutions must become more transparent and accountable. In democracies like Australia, independent sources of information and robust checks on power can counteract the spread of conspiracies. However, the broader societal context – including the decline of trust in institutions and the rise of fake news – complicates the issue.

Ultimately, conspiracy theories thrive in the gaps between events and our understanding of them. As we navigate an increasingly complex and uncertain world, it is crucial to prioritize truth, transparency, and critical thinking. Only by addressing the root causes of conspiracy thinking – such as mistrust, anxiety, and fear – can we hope to restore trust in institutions and rebuild a shared sense of reality.