The Guardian – conspiracy resource

My friend has embraced conspiracy theories and I’m fed up with it | Ask Philippa

November 2, 2024November 3, 2024 admin The Guardian

Think of him like a car in a skid, you want to take the steering wheel and switch direction, but the car has too much momentum and it will carry on the same path

The question I’ve had a good friend for more than 30 years, but since Covid he has become a conspiracy theorist. He only sources “alternative news” from the internet. He quotes hard right, conspiracy narratives. He supports Trump and Putin. He claims he is an anarchist and won’t vote. He becomes arrogant and insulting because I disagree with him. He doesn’t read books, but I do, so if I bring up a book on the subject, he just dismisses it. I’m beyond tired of his rhetoric and have increasingly become angrier that he just wants to shove his crap down my throat and gives me no credit for anything I have to say, he just wants me to agree with him. I’m saddened that it has come to this, but I feel that if he can no longer respect my views and needs to insult and degrade my opinions, then I’m better off without him. Is there any hope?

Philippa’s answer The Covid-19 pandemic not only brought health concerns but social isolation, economic instability and a sense that the world is changing in unpredictable ways. During such turbulent times, many individuals feel lost and fearful. It’s a natural response to crave solid ground in an effort to gain a sense of clarity amid the chaos.

Conspiracy

‘It’s mindblowing’: US meteorologists face death threats as hurricane conspiracies surge

October 11, 2024October 17, 2024 admin marjorie taylor greeneThe Guardian

Storms Helene and Milton have triggered rise of misinformation stoked by Trump and fellow Republicans

Meteorologists tracking the advance of Hurricane Milton have been targeted by a deluge of conspiracy theories that they were controlling the weather, abuse and even death threats, amid what they say is an unprecedented surge in misinformation as two major hurricanes have hit the US.

A series of falsehoods and threats have swirled in the two weeks since Hurricane Helene tore through six states causing several hundred deaths, followed by Milton crashing into Florida on Wednesday.

Conspiracy

Actors, activists and conspiracy theorists – a guide to the British far right

August 7, 2024August 7, 2024 admin The Guardian

In the wake of the Southport killings, a more fragmented and decentralised extremist movement, featuring old and new faces, has emerged

UK riots live – latest updates

Britain’s splintered far right has been trying to mount a resurgence by exploiting shock and anger at last week’s killings of three young girls in Southport.

Groups, individuals and influencers have been pumping out misinformation across numerous social media platforms, along with promoting protests that have frequently descended into violence.

Conspiracy

Five of the best books about conspiracy theories

July 25, 2024July 25, 2024 admin The Guardian

From Covid misinformation to the JFK assassination, these compelling reads explore how conspiracies seduce believers

Effective conspiracy theories draw in believers by appearing to give a glimpse behind the curtain, of how the world really works, while preserving a sense that even in the modern technological era, there are still mysteries beyond most people’s understanding.

The problem is that most conspiracies come at a cost. It might seem harmless to believe aliens have made contact with humans, but suggesting that terror attacks were “false flags” or that secret societies are abducting children can fracture communities, provoke violence, and tear families apart.