Vaccine: Animation demonstrates queue calculator
The coronavirus crisis has been a remarkably easy target for conspiracy theorists, given its magnitude and the fact it has caused many of us to stay inside using the internet much more than many of us usually would. Unsubstantiated claims of hospitals being empty, the vaccine being a method for implanting chips in people, 5G towers infecting people with the virus and lockdown being used as a method for controlling people have all emerged over the past year. And despite zero evidence supporting these claims – and in fact a lot of evidence to the contrary – many people have fallen victim to them.
Many of us have seen these claims plastered on Facebook and Twitter, and the proliferation of conspiracy theories has been considerable since the virus arrived in the UK this time last year.
Bolstered by the rapid change in the way we communicate over the last twenty years, the emergence of social media has given conspiracy theorists a much wider ground, helping to enable the rapid spread of information, false or otherwise.
The pandemic has seen a dramatic increase in the amount of people engaging with conspiracy theory content online, and the phenomenon has already had considerable real-world impacts with the storming of the Capitol in the US in January, fuelled by far-right conspiracies that have festered and spread online.
But why does this happen? Professor of Social Psychology at the University of Kent Karen Douglas acknowledges that conspiracy theories tend to flourish in times of crisis, with the coronavirus pandemic being no exception.
We will use your email address only for sending you newsletters. Please see our Privacy Notice for details of your data protection rights.
She told Express.co.uk: “Conspiracy theories tend to flourish in times of crisis.
“People are looking for explanations that help them cope when bad things are happening.
“They might also be looking for simple answers that make them feel better.
“For example, believing that the virus is a hoax makes the problem go away and also means that people don’t need to take precautions to stop the spread of the virus.”
Conspiracy theories are often so successful because they engage people directly in the development of political ideas, and offer an alternative to mainstream political participation, which has grown as people become more disillusioned with the Government in a time of crisis.
Rod Dacombe, Director of the Centre for British Politics and Government, King’s College London, described how theorists attract other potential believers online.
He said: “There is an adage amongst online conspiracy theorists – do your own research.
“This encourages those involved to seek out validation of their ideas from sources which refute the ‘official’ narrative.
DON’T MISS
Mars mineral found trapped in Antarctica can link Earth to Red Planet [REPORT]
How many people have had the Covid vaccine? [EXPLAINER]
When will the Moderna vaccine be available in the UK? [INSIGHT]
“Engaging in contemporary conspiracy theories therefore has a game-like quality.
“People are encouraged to “discover” information promoted through their online networks rather than passively accept data and facts produced by established sources.”
Professor Douglas continued: “Research suggests that people are attracted to conspiracy theories when important psychological needs are frustrated.
“The first of these needs are epistemic, related to the need for knowledge and certainty.
“For example, people look for answers when they are uncertain and conspiracy theories might be seen to offer some clarity.
“Another set of needs are existential, related to the need to feel safe and secure.
“For example, people might turn to conspiracy theories when they feel powerless and frightened in an effort to make themselves feel better.
“The third set of needs are social, related to the need to maintain a positive view of the self and our social groups.
“For example, belief in conspiracy theories tends to be higher amongst people who are narcissistic, or have a need to feel unique compared to others.”
Source: Read Full Article
