A conspiracy theory refers to a belief or explanation that attributes an event or situation to a secret, hidden, or malicious group or organization working behind the scenes to achieve a specific outcome. Conspiracy theories often involve the notion of a plot by powerful entities or individuals to manipulate events, suppress information, or control society.
"Conspiracy theories" are media reports that disseminate a false or unverifiable description of a phenomenon, event, or person, presenting it as part of or the result of a secret plan ("conspiracy"). A characteristic of these reports is that they present a series of claims, presented as facts, between which cause-effect relationships are established, without providing any credible evidence.
Some common characteristics of conspiracy theories include:
Lack of reliable evidence: Conspiracy theories often lack credible evidence to support their claims. They may rely on anecdotal accounts, rumors, or unverified sources of information, rather than reliable, verifiable evidence. For example: Serbian-language media claim that "Pristina authorities are using radical Islamists on one side to exert pressure on Kosovo Serbs." (here)
Confirmation of prejudice: Conspiracy theories often appeal to individuals who already have certain beliefs or suspicions, and they may reinforce existing prejudices or suspicions rather than being based on objective evidence. E.g. A video has been published online claiming that rap artist Tupac Amaru Shakur is still alive. After verification, it was confirmed that the photos were edited.here)
Rejection of key information: Conspiracy theories often reject or dismiss key information, expert opinions, or proven facts that contradict or challenge the conspiracy narrative. This can result in the rejection of widely accepted scientific, historical, or social knowledge. For example, a claim has been made online about the name of the soft drink “Pepsi” that if read backwards, it creates the English word “Isded” meaning “Is dead,” which in Albanian means “dead.” The key information that the name “Pepsi” is derived from the name of the digestive enzyme “pepsin” (Greek pepsis) is rejected. (here)
Complex and elaborate explanations: Conspiracy theories often involve complex and elaborate explanations that require numerous assumptions, logical leaps, and speculation. They may involve intricate webs of connections and alleged cover-ups, which can be difficult to verify or disprove. For example, the media has published the claim of conspiracy theorist Alfred Cakos that in late October or early November, there will be 10 days of darkness, when the internet will disappear. (here)
Emotional appeal: Conspiracy theories often rely on emotional appeal, using fear, disbelief, suspicion or other strong emotions to gather support and followers. For example, images have been published online claiming that "The Simpsons predicted Russian aggression in Ukraine." After verification, it was confirmed that the photos were edited. (here)
It is important to approach conspiracy theories with critical thinking, skepticism, and evidence-based reasoning. While it is natural for people to question and seek alternative explanations for events, it is essential to rely on reliable sources of information, fact-check claims, and avoid jumping to conclusions based on unfounded beliefs or unverified information. It is also important to be aware of the potential negative impact of conspiracy theories, which can contribute to the spread of misinformation, divide society, and erode trust in institutions and reliable sources of information.