Identifying conspiracy theories

Most believe they are true. Others deliberately want to provoke, manipulate or target people for political or financial reasons. Beware: They can come from many sources e.g. internet, friends, relatives.

Is this a conspiracy theory? Check before sharing

Check the author – who is writing this and why?

Unlikely to be a conspiracy theory  

• The author has recognised qualifications and credentials in the topic
• The author uses verifiable facts and evidence from scientific or academic research

Likely to be a conspiracy theory

• The author is a self-proclaimed expert and not attached to a reputable organisation or institution
• Author claims to have credentials but they don’t withstand scrutiny or are suspended

Likely Reliable and Reputable

• The source has been quoted by several reputable media outlets
• The information is backed by many scientists/academics
• Independent fact-checking websites support the source and related claims

Unlikely Reliable and Reputable

• The source of information is not clear
• The information is shared only by self-proclaimed experts
•  Independent fact-checking websites do not support the source and have refuted related claims

Likely Balanced

• The author does not shy away from exploring complexity, including different perspectives
• The author is prepared to acknowledge limits to their knowledge
• The tone is objective, factual

Unlikely Balanced

• The author presents their information as the only valid truth
• The author raises questions instead of providing answers
• The author demonises whoever they assume is behind the alleged secret plot
• The tone is subjective, emotionally charged
• Emotional images or anecdotes are used to illustrate the message

Real conspiracies large and small do exist. They are more often centred on single, self-contained events or an individual like an assassination or a coup d’etat. They are unearthed by whistle-blowers and the media, using verifiable facts and evidence.

Nobody is free of biases or fears, which could open the door to believing in a conspiracy theory.

Conspiracy theories often target or discriminate against an entire group perceived as the enemy behind a real or imagined threat. They polarise society and fuel violent extremism. While most people who spread conspiracy theories genuinely believe in them, others deploy them cynically to achieve these effects.

They identify an enemy and a secret plot that threatens peoples' lives or beliefs and spark a defence mechanism, which can fuel discrimination, justify hate crimes and can be exploited by violent extremist groups.

They spread mistrust in public institutions, which can lead to political apathy or radicalization.

They spread mistrust in scientific and medical information, which can have serious consequences.\

Watch out: Perceived "out groups" of society are especially prone to be targets of conspiracy theories, hate speech and disinformation campaigns. This includes people of different origin, religion or sexual orientation.

Conspiracy theories can have serious consequences. Take them seriously. Check before sharing. Stop the spread.

Stopping the spread of conspiracy theories is challenging. There is no one-size-fits-all approach. It depends on the level of exposure. People who firmly believe in conspiracy theories are extremely difficult to reach.

Do's

• Focus on the facts you want to communicate, not the myth you want to debunk.
• Choose your target – the author, source or logic behind the conspiracy theory.
• Always state clearly that the information is wrong, before quoting a conspiracy theory.
• Provide a fact-based alternative explanation.
• If possible, use visual aids to back your argument.

DON'Ts

• Don't focus on the conspiracy theory first. Don't reinforce it.
• Don't overwhelm with information.

Many conspiracy theorists are deeply convinced of their beliefs. Their whole life and worldview are centred around them.

• Any argument challenging the conspiracy theory may be taken as proof that you are part of the conspiracy and reinforce the belief.
• They probably believe in more than one conspiracy theory.
• They will probably argue hard to defend their beliefs.

• Encourage open debate and questions.
• Ask detailed questions about their theory in order to trigger self-reflection.
• Enlist trusted former conspiracy theorists who once believed the same thing.
• Be cautious and use a variety of sources around the theme.
• Don't ridicule. Try to understand why they believe what they believe.
• Show empathy. Often the person may be truly fearful and distressed.
• Go step by step. Focus on simple facts and logic instead of covering every detail.
• Don't push. Too much pressure might backfire. Leave them time to process and try again.
• Use empathy and questions.

Be careful, conspiracy theories are deceptive: they ignore scientific evidence and falsely blame individuals and groups that are not responsible for the pandemic. Do not share them.

“Just because you're paranoid doesn't mean they aren't after you.”

-Joseph Heller, Catch-22