Why trolls, extremists, and others spread conspiracy theories they don't believe
Research shows many who share conspiracy theories online do not believe them, often doing so for attention, profit, or to incite conflict, with serious consequences for public perception and division.
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Research indicates that many individuals who spread conspiracy theories online do not actually believe in the falsehoods they share. These opportunists may do so for various reasons, including promoting conflict, seeking attention, or financial gain. Different types of conspiracy-spreaders include coaxing conspiracists, who aim to radicalize others; combative conspiracists, who knowingly disseminate false information for political purposes; chaos conspiracists, who thrive on stirring trouble; commercial conspiracists, who profit from spreading misinformation; and common conspiracists, who share content for social validation. Notably, extremist groups often utilize conspiracy theories as a means to recruit and radicalize followers. The spread of misinformation can have serious consequences, as it can manipulate public perception and incite division. Ultimately, individuals should be cautious about sharing unverified information, as they may inadvertently support those who exploit these narratives for their own agendas.
- Many conspiracy theorists do not believe the content they share.
- Types of conspiracy-spreaders include opportunists, extremists, and attention-seekers.
- Extremist groups use conspiracy theories to recruit and radicalize individuals.
- Sharing misinformation can manipulate public perception and incite division.
- Individuals should verify information before sharing to avoid supporting opportunists.
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3 commentsA belief in nihilism is not at all the same as being a proponent of nihilism. In fact, one cannot practically be against nihilism without believing it exists in the world.
Truth needs to exist for life to have meaning. If you perceive that truth is being fundamentally undermined, then by extension, the lives people live are deficient in meaning.
I could just be projecting, but I believe deep pessimism about life is a rational explanation for conspiracists who promote views that they themselves don't believe. How else could someone have such fundamental levels of cognitive dissonance (not acting with directly malicious intent)?
> Combative conspiracists – the disinformants
> Chaos conspiracists – the trolls
> Commercial conspiracists – the profiteers
> Common conspiracists – the attention-getters
I feel like there's a growing shared interest in creating distrust broadly, in making people scared & confused & pliant & on edge. These above feel.loke specific causes...
But there's a broader interest by many, generally, in destabilizing.
Trolling is probably the closest, but i consider torlling largely for the luls and chaos. Destabilizing is about making the world indecipherable and ungovernable, about obstructing truth. It's doing anything and everything to throw a wrench into democratic societies, no matter the event of the day. It's boosting uncertainty and fear, spreading wide a tacitc belief there is a secret world beyond the facade, welcoming you for a trip into dark enlightenment.
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