Memes spread conspiracy theories by uniting online groups, shows new research

A new study finds a sinister side to memes, pointing to their role in strengthening online communities of conspiracy theorists.

Conspiracy

January 26, 2025 jfk assassination

Understanding paranormal beliefs and conspiracy theories isn’t just about misinformation – this course unpacks the history

Though paranormal theories are at odds with modern science, adherents have often tried to prove their beliefs with sciencelike methods.

Aspiring lieutenant governor penned 479 page flat Earth screed

Conspiracy

January 26, 2025 alex jones, deep state, flat earth, illuminati, nazi

Aspiring lieutenant governor penned 479 page flat Earth screed

Interestingly for a candidate for lieutenant governor, Dean Odle’s 2019 book is filled with conspiratorial tales of a flat Earth.

Conspiracy

January 23, 2025

Extreme weather failing to encourage political climate action, says activist Luisa Neubauer

Fridays for Future organiser warns conspiracy theories are increasingly taking hold despite effects of global heating

The rise in extreme weather is not generating political support for climate action, Germany’s best-known climate activist has warned, as conspiracy theories increasingly circle after disasters made worse by global heating.

“Like many, I did buy into the idea that big catastrophes would do something to politics,” said Luisa Neubauer from Fridays for Future Germany. “I bought into that – and I’m glad about it – because I was naively believing there was a democratic responsibility that would live through coalition changes and climate changes.”

No Evidence Officer Who Shot Ashli Babbitt Was Pardoned by Biden

Conspiracy

January 23, 2025 2020 election, fauci

No Evidence Officer Who Shot Ashli Babbitt Was Pardoned by Biden

In his final hours as president, Joe Biden issued preemptive pardons for House committee members who investigated the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the Capitol and the police officers who testified before that committee. Online posts make an unfounded claim that Biden pardoned the officer who shot and killed protester Ashli Babbitt. The officer, who was cleared of wrongdoing, wasn’t among those who testified.