Race wars. Rioting. Protests.
COVID-19. Masks. Vaccines.
Sex trafficking. Jeffrey Epstein. Pizzagate.
Conspiracy theories have absolutely dominated the Internet in 2020, and they seem to be coming from both sides of the aisle. Is Bill Gates trying to push mandatory vaccines and depopulate the world? Are cops starting the riots? Did the government release footage of aliens? It seems like each new day brings another major scandal uncovered by Internet bloggers.
It would be a mistake to believe that conspiracy theories are a new phenomenon. In fact, history is replete with tall tales and legends of dirty deeds done by elitists behind closed doors. The Internet, as it normally does, has simply provided a new platform for the proliferation of such theories. Much like the printing press, the Internet has given a voice and sense of legitimacy to people and ideas that once languished in darkness. This exposure is both good and bad. Sure, conspiracy theories are annoying and delegitamize valid information on the Internet, but, as it's been said, it's not a conspiracy theory if it's not a theory. The Internet has exposed many crimes and sins that would have otherwise gone unnoticed. The Internet is much like life--you have to take the good with the bad.
So, why do conspiracy theories seem to be so prevalent lately? Or, perhaps the better question would be, why do people seem to embrace these theories so readily today? I think there are two major reasons.
First of all, our government education system has failed to teach our children to think critically. As a general rule, we react quickly, instinctually, and emotionally, instead of slowly, deliberately, and logically. Maybe it's just human nature. Add the ease of "sharing" information on the Internet to the fact that we don't really value a good reputation anymore, and you have a recipe for the rapid dissemination and imbibing of unfounded theories. Instead of deductively researching a topic, an activity for which we are much too intellectually lazy, we follow our gut reaction and spread it.
Secondly, and more positively, we have been trained to distrust those in positions of power by documented scandals and secrecy. What do our government officials expect? Theory after theory has gone unanswered or been proven to be correct, in full or part. Dismissive explanations have been offered, insulting the intelligence of anyone who can think critically, or at least has some common sense. Politicians make shady deals with CEOs, lobbyists steer public policy, and government incompetence is on full display for the world to see. Why don't we trust the government? Why would we? Why don't we trust the medical establishment? Why would we?
And on and on it goes...
Anyone who studies history and has seen the evils perpetrated upon men by other men is bound to begin looking for conspiracies. Kings and emperors used to use and abuse people openly. Now it's done behind closed doors. We the people know this. We know that inexplicable things are happening, and we know that we're not receiving the whole story, so we develop conspiracy theories. We are forced to decide whether our "leaders" are evil geniuses or just that stupid, and sometimes it's difficult to decide.
So, the next time you come across a conspiracy theory online, don't be so quick to dismiss it or believe it. Think critically. Examine the evidence. There are nutty people out there spreading disinformation, but there are also evil people in places of power who are willing to do anything to retain and/or expand that power.
Never underestimate the stupidity or the greed of mankind.
COVID-19. Masks. Vaccines.
Sex trafficking. Jeffrey Epstein. Pizzagate.
Conspiracy theories have absolutely dominated the Internet in 2020, and they seem to be coming from both sides of the aisle. Is Bill Gates trying to push mandatory vaccines and depopulate the world? Are cops starting the riots? Did the government release footage of aliens? It seems like each new day brings another major scandal uncovered by Internet bloggers.
It would be a mistake to believe that conspiracy theories are a new phenomenon. In fact, history is replete with tall tales and legends of dirty deeds done by elitists behind closed doors. The Internet, as it normally does, has simply provided a new platform for the proliferation of such theories. Much like the printing press, the Internet has given a voice and sense of legitimacy to people and ideas that once languished in darkness. This exposure is both good and bad. Sure, conspiracy theories are annoying and delegitamize valid information on the Internet, but, as it's been said, it's not a conspiracy theory if it's not a theory. The Internet has exposed many crimes and sins that would have otherwise gone unnoticed. The Internet is much like life--you have to take the good with the bad.
So, why do conspiracy theories seem to be so prevalent lately? Or, perhaps the better question would be, why do people seem to embrace these theories so readily today? I think there are two major reasons.
First of all, our government education system has failed to teach our children to think critically. As a general rule, we react quickly, instinctually, and emotionally, instead of slowly, deliberately, and logically. Maybe it's just human nature. Add the ease of "sharing" information on the Internet to the fact that we don't really value a good reputation anymore, and you have a recipe for the rapid dissemination and imbibing of unfounded theories. Instead of deductively researching a topic, an activity for which we are much too intellectually lazy, we follow our gut reaction and spread it.
Secondly, and more positively, we have been trained to distrust those in positions of power by documented scandals and secrecy. What do our government officials expect? Theory after theory has gone unanswered or been proven to be correct, in full or part. Dismissive explanations have been offered, insulting the intelligence of anyone who can think critically, or at least has some common sense. Politicians make shady deals with CEOs, lobbyists steer public policy, and government incompetence is on full display for the world to see. Why don't we trust the government? Why would we? Why don't we trust the medical establishment? Why would we?
And on and on it goes...
Anyone who studies history and has seen the evils perpetrated upon men by other men is bound to begin looking for conspiracies. Kings and emperors used to use and abuse people openly. Now it's done behind closed doors. We the people know this. We know that inexplicable things are happening, and we know that we're not receiving the whole story, so we develop conspiracy theories. We are forced to decide whether our "leaders" are evil geniuses or just that stupid, and sometimes it's difficult to decide.
So, the next time you come across a conspiracy theory online, don't be so quick to dismiss it or believe it. Think critically. Examine the evidence. There are nutty people out there spreading disinformation, but there are also evil people in places of power who are willing to do anything to retain and/or expand that power.
Never underestimate the stupidity or the greed of mankind.
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