Is it possible to stop the spread of conspiracy theories about the coronavirus?

Don't You think the world is a little crazy? I would suggest that prior to the pandemic COVID-19 he was somewhat in order, pollution, uncontrolled population growth and climate change along with our unbridled desire to consume more and more in the truest sense of the word caused the planet to boil. But as it turned out, gradually melts not only the earth but also the brains of its inhabitants: serious turmoil and uncertainty, it proved to be a fertile ground for the prosperity of a variety of conspiracy theories. In the end, the pandemic of the novel coronavirus began with infogenia – the spread of misinformation about COVID-19. But is it possible to fight it and if so, how?

A keen observer noticed that in the beginning of the pandemic, people in social networks massively shared about the allegations that washing with bleach or the use of garlic is an effective methods of combating the virus. Needless to say, that it was immediately (who). Ah, if all this is over!

After the bleach and garlic the world caught a wave all the more insidious, ridiculous and bizarre conspiracy theories about the pandemic. Among them the false claim that the cellular network 5G spread coronavirus (somebody, please, explain to me HOW), and bill gates and all kind of Thanos from Marvel kynoselen, which is struggling with the overpopulation of the planet.

How are conspiracy theories

Such a catastrophic event like a pandemic creates a fertile, incredibly fertile ground for conspiracy theories. It is well known to scientists that confirmed John cook, an expert on disinformation from the center of communications on climate change at George Mason The Washington Post. Cook is concerned about the onslaught of information and misinformation in social networks, the news and cable channels – this creates the companion. Moreover, people are not very receptive to the information overload, especially when at stake is their lives. They feel overwhelmed with information, but the information that they need, they have. That's why they tend to believe in outlandish claims, such as in the tower 5G, which allegedly spread of the coronavirus. 5G is the newest and fastest type of mobile network, which began to spread around the world in 2019. As is usually the case with new technologies, it has attracted the attention of lovers of conspiracy theories. But why this theory has become the “virusnet” others?

Who would have thought that the towers 5G will be a «an instrument of evil»

Writes , on January 22, the General practitioner in Belgium named Chris van Kerkhoven wrongly told the newspaper Het Laatste Nieuws that the technology 5G life-threatening and associated with a coronavirus. The newspaper quickly amended and deleted statio, misleading from your site, but it was too late. The movement against towers 5G began to spread rumors, and some people are desperately seeking some sense of order, to believe this improbable lies.

When people feel threatened, out of control or trying to explain the big important event, they are more vulnerable or likely to turn to conspiracy theories to explain what is happening. Somewhat illogical, but it gives people a greater sense of control. Randomness and uncertainty no one likes.

John cook, an expert on disinformation from the center of communications on climate change the George Mason University.

The Actual origin of the misinformation, according to many researchers, does not really matter, because she begins to live a life of its own once unleashed. The biggest problem is our psychology, because the human brain is designed for quick decision making. a really difficult for Us to spend time and effort thinking about things, fact-checking and evaluation.

around the world, People accused of a pandemic coronavirus technology 5G

How the spread of conspiracy theories

According to scientists, misinformation is distributed everywhere exactly the same as the information. And the repetition of misinformation makes it more believable over time. Of course, much more difficult to fight misinformation, if someone is deliberately and constantly distributes it, partially refers to various conspiracy theories about 5G.

According to the Russian network RT America spreading disinformation about the mobile network long before COVID-19, in part, according to The New York Times, to slow their deployment in the United States and to give Russia time to catch up. Mike wood, a psychologist and expert on belief in conspiracy theories, who studied the spread of misinformation during an outbreak of zika fever in 2016, believes that there are people who believe in a particular conspiracy theory, because it fits their political beliefs, and for some conspiracy theories are even of the belief. For them, the specifics of a conspiracy theory do not matter much.

During a pandemic, a conspiracy theory that the virus is either harmless, or biological weapon that will kill all, or an excuse for the government to make a vaccine that will kill all — appear instantly.

Mike wood, a psychologist and expert on belief in conspiracy theories.

By the Way, in the States of conspiracy theories about the towers 5G and coronavirus also distributed a media person, just like us former participant of “House-2” Victoria Bonya. So, the singer M. I. A. wrongly tweeted that derrick 5G is likely to slow the recovery of infected COVID-19, and actor John Cusack said, and all that will soon be proved that the 5G have a bad impact on people's health. However, then he deleted the tweet but the Internet remembers everything. And – unexpectedly for me – woody Harrelson tied 5G and coronavirus in two now deleted posts in Instagram. Agree, on this background, a fiery speech of Nikita Mikhalkov about the dangers of 5G doesn't look like a bolt from the blue. Only here, stop the spread of this conspiracy theory is almost impossible now.

it is Not clear how the burning cell towers will help in the fight against the pandemic.

How to stop conspiracy theories?

While the origin of the information may not have values, the most important type of misinformation. The idea that the use of garlic helps to fight the disease, is a natural rumor is just false information. But the conspiracy theory suggests that a vile group of people carries out a sinister plan, and it is much harder to refute. Experts believe that the more natural the rumors are very fast, but the rumors about the conspiracy theories accumulate and do not stop. For conspiracy theories, where misinformation is accompanied by the state science and any evidence that refutes the theory, considered as a part of the conspiracy.

So, conspiracy theory 5G led to the actual destruction of the cell towers throughout Europe. In Britain, reports , “in April there have been over 30 acts of arson and vandalism against wireless towers and other telecommunications devices», including the tower in Liverpool and Birmingham on 2 and 3 April. But what can be opposed to the conspirators?

Perhaps the most frightening in this story is that conspiracy theory can be the hearts and minds of individuals.

Scientists believe that in conversations with the conspirators, you need to focus on the facts. When your partner is in the review publishes misinformation, you need to write what is misinformation. Because when people read comments or posts, then seeing the facts alert and less inclined to believe him. So whether we like it or not, it is very important to refute false information and it is best to politely give the source a link to the study or authoritative source, such as the who.

still from the animated series «Futurama». The conspiracy theorists wearing tin foil hats.