In May 2020, an illegal protest in Melbourne questioned COVID-19 lockdowns and restrictions, where conspiracy theories began to emerge among the diverse group of protestors. Over the next three years, the conspiracy theories became increasingly wild, leading some to believe in outlandish ideas such as 5G technology monitoring the vaccinated and children being moved through tunnels for bodily fluid harvesting. Despite the often nonsensical nature of these beliefs, the protesters found a sense of agency in fighting against perceived secret forces, such as government cover-ups of paedophiles in power.
Conspiracy theories are not exclusive to those who are uneducated or deluded, but often stem from caring and worried individuals seeking to make sense of chaotic events. The process of questioning official narratives has sometimes led to uncovering additional facts previously hidden in the first accounts of an event. However, the gap between what is known and what happened allows conspiracy theories to persist, as conspiracy theorists relentlessly push for their beliefs to be confirmed.
The spread of misinformation and conspiracy theories has been exacerbated by the rise of social media, AI, and personal ideologies in the “post-truth” era. Conspiracy theorists rely on each other for information, turning away from experts and peer-reviewed sources. Disinformation campaigns have exploited this trend, leading to rumours and conspiracy theories with serious consequences, such as the Pizzagate conspiracy that resulted in violence. Trust in mainstream institutions declines as conspiracy theories gain traction, leading to social disruption and personal rifts among those who adhere to such beliefs.
Conspiracy theorists often see themselves as heroes on a quest for truth, finding a supportive tribe in the conspiracy world. Post-pandemic, Australia’s anti-COVID restrictions movement has fragmented into various groups fueled by a collection of conspiracy theories. The spread of anti-vaccine misinformation is driven by a small number of individuals and organizations making money from digital content and alternative health products, with social media platforms failing to adequately address the issue.
The erosion of trust in institutions, experts, media, and governments serves the goals of bad-faith actors seeking to spread disinformation and conspiracy theories. Blaming conspiracy theorists for being deceived overlooks the challenges facing social media users in discerning facts and truth. While conspiracy theories play a role in eroding trust, they also thrive on mistrust and spread further mistrust, impacting various aspects of society. Increased transparency, accountability, and accurate information can help combat the spread of conspiracy theories, but the challenges remain significant.
