<
https://theconversation.com/3-reasons-young-people-are-more-likely-to-believe-conspiracy-theories-and-how-we-can-help-them-discover-the-truth-261074>
"Conspiracy theories are a widespread occurrence in today’s hyper connected and
polarised world.
Events such as Brexit, the 2016 and 2020 United States presidential elections,
and the COVID pandemic serve as potent reminders of how easily these narratives
can infiltrate public discourse.
The consequences for society are significant, given a devotion to conspiracy
theories can undermine key democratic norms and weaken citizens’ trust in
critical institutions. As we know from the January 6 riot at the US Capitol, it
can also motivate political violence.
But who is most likely to believe these conspiracies?
My new study with Daniel Stockemer of the University of Ottawa provides a clear
and perhaps surprising answer. Published in
Political Psychology, our
research shows age is one of the most significant predictors of conspiracy
beliefs, but not in the way many might assume.
People under 35 are consistently more likely to endorse conspiratorial ideas."
Cheers,
*** Xanni ***
--
mailto:xanni@xanadu.net Andrew Pam
http://xanadu.com.au/ Chief Scientist, Xanadu
https://glasswings.com.au/ Partner, Glass Wings
https://sericyb.com.au/ Manager, Serious Cybernetics
