Why trolls, extremists, and others spread conspiracy theories they don’t believe

Some just want to promote conflict, cause chaos, or even just get attention.

There has been a lot of research on the types of people who believe conspiracy theories, and their reasons for doing so. But there’s a wrinkle: My colleagues and I have found that there are a number of people sharing conspiracies online who don’t believe their own content.

They are opportunists. These people share conspiracy theories to promote conflict, cause chaos, recruit and radicalize potential followers, make money, harass, or even just to get attention.

There are several types of this sort of conspiracy-spreader trying to influence you.

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Why trolls, extremists, and others spread conspiracy theories they don’t believe

Some just want to promote conflict, cause chaos, or even just get attention.

There has been a lot of research on the types of people who believe conspiracy theories, and their reasons for doing so. But there’s a wrinkle: My colleagues and I have found that there are a number of people sharing conspiracies online who don’t believe their own content.

They are opportunists. These people share conspiracy theories to promote conflict, cause chaos, recruit and radicalize potential followers, make money, harass, or even just to get attention.

There are several types of this sort of conspiracy-spreader trying to influence you.

Read full article

Comments

ePA: Widerspruchs-Tool für elektronische Patientenakte veröffentlicht

Gegner der elektronischen Patientenakte (ePA) haben ein Tool veröffentlicht, mit denen Bürger der automatischen Umstellung widersprechen können. (Elektronische Patientenakte, Datenschutz)

Gegner der elektronischen Patientenakte (ePA) haben ein Tool veröffentlicht, mit denen Bürger der automatischen Umstellung widersprechen können. (Elektronische Patientenakte, Datenschutz)