How to protect yourself from conspiracy theories ?

Conspiracy theories gain credibility and spread after significant events such as 9/11 or the coronavirus for instance.

They often present themselves as an explanation for difficult events to create a false sense of closure in the minds of readers, who need clarity and structure.

Most people are naturally drawn to the sometimes sordid stories that evoke powerful feelings. Conspiracy theories are therefore attractive because they often provide impressive explanations for phenomena.

The spread of theories is difficult to stop as they can be quickly relayed on social networks or by unprofessional news sites.

In order to protect yourself from these conspiracy theories, it is necessary to find out more about the author in order to verify his or her credibility and whether the facts presented are checkable. The author of a theory will often be a self-proclaimed authority without qualifications.

Obviously, it is necessary to cross-check sources, and research the subject further. If the subject is not supported by any professional or academic, nor relayed on other news channels, it is most often a conspiracy theory.

It is important to always be critical and question the facts presented in a documentary or article.

We also need to question our own information practices and question our own biases and the way we choose our sources.

In order to protect ourselves from conspiracy theories, beyond examining the information and checking the sources, we must try to prevent the propagation of theories.

We need to create discussions about conspiracy theories to allow everyone to keep a critical mind and listen to different points of view.