DISCOVERING HOW CONSPIRACY THEORIES IMPACT OUR SOCIETY
THE ASK
Explore the phenomena of Conspiracy Theories and their effects on today's society.
+ With Research Company: NONFICTION
BACKGROUND INFO
Conspiracy Theories have been around since the first stories were told, and the first arguments were had.
In American culture they have been the catalyst of movements and have grown in the political sphere, it feels now more than ever.
1. What is happening culturally that's making people attracted to conspiracy theories?
In this deep dive, we set out to answer and understand these burning questions.
BURNING QUESTIONS
2. In what ways is that a positive or negative for society today?
METHODOLOGY
In search of the answer to these questions, we went to lengths to understand this phenomenon by conducting primary and secondary research.
PRIMARY RESEARCH
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In-depth Interviews with mental health professionals, medical doctors, conspiracy theory experts, conspiracy theorists, and family members of conspiracy theorists.
SECONDARY RESEARCH
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Desk research, social listening platforms, and a deep dive into pop culture and news media.
Our research led us to more questions and key findings.
CONSPIRACY THEORY DEFINITION:
An attempt to explain harmful or tragic events as a result of the actions of a small powerful group. Such explanations reject the accepted narrative surrounding those events.
1. What is a conspiracy theory and who believes them?
50% of Americans believe in at least 1 conspiracy theory.
These conspiracies range from funny or sci-fi-like to political and dangerous.
2. How do conspiracy theories manifest themselves today?
Through our research, we found that people dive into information differently, mainly misinformation and conspiracy theories, and it has varying effects on everyone.
CONSPIRACY THEORY PROFILES
The following profiles describe the eight levels of conspiracy theory belief and the characteristics associated with them.
See where you fall on the spectrum.
STRATEGY: Trés Jones (self), Leslie Townsend, Abby Fine