Conspiracy theories used to be reserved for shadowy figures with corkboards and red yarn, but now they're more mainstream than ever. A recent survey found that over 70% of Americans believe in at least one conspiracy theory.
That's why we've gathered a panel of experts to warn you about the dangers of diving too deep into these theories. They're here to share their experiences and give you some tips on how to avoid falling down the rabbit hole.
"Our biggest concern is that people don't always know they're reading a conspiracy theory," says Dr. Kari Nacelle. "Especially online, where articles are shared without context or fact-checking."
Dr. Nacelle suggests checking your sources before sharing articles, especially if they seem too good (or bad) to be true. "It's important to be critical of what you read and not take everything at face value," she adds.
One theory that's been making the rounds recently is that the moon landing was faked. It's been debunked countless times, but that hasn't stopped believers from holding onto it.
"Conspiracy theories often come from a distrust of authority or a desire to feel like you're part of something special," says Dr. Lionel Payne. "But they can become harmful when people start to act on them."
Take the Pizzagate conspiracy, for example. It started as a theory that Hillary Clinton and other Democrats were running a child trafficking ring out of a pizza restaurant. Despite being thoroughly debunked, a man showed up to the restaurant with an assault rifle and fired shots in 2016.
"This is why we need to be careful about the information we consume and the communities we engage with," says Dr. Payne.
But how do you know if you're in too deep? "If you find yourself mistrusting everything and everyone, or constantly seeking out new conspiracies to believe in, it might be time to take a step back," says Dr. Nacelle.
It's also important to take care of your mental health. "Conspiracy theories can be emotionally exhausting and even traumatic," says Dr. Payne. "It's okay to take a break and focus on things that bring you joy."
In conclusion, conspiracy theories can be tempting, but they can also be dangerous. Make sure you're checking your sources and not blindly believing everything you read online. And if you feel like you're in too deep, don't be afraid to take a step back and focus on taking care of yourself.
