Written by Shealagh Sullivan
https://www.nbcnews.com/think/opinion/coronavirus-conspiracy-theorists-have-now-revealed-themselves-what-can-rest-ncna1200736
Scrolling through social media and laughing at conspiracy theories surrounding everything from the moon landing to Mattress Firm is more common than one might think. For some, this unique extra-curricular is done purely as a joke. There are those, however, that use these theories as a form of control, even if that control is rooted in misinformation. New crises in general tend to rouse skeptics from far and wide, and COVID-19 is no exception. From the infamous video Plandemic to the wilder theories of Bill Gates microchipping the world’s population through a COVID-19 vaccine, there is no shortage of false information available.
What do conspiracy theories have anything to do with a pandemic?
The containment of this virus and public health relies on everyone doing their own part during this pandemic. Wearing a mask, social distancing, and regularly washing one’s hands are all main points in the World Health Organization’s advice to the public. Conspiracy theories surrounding the pandemic have reinforced a lack of trust in public institutions, which in turn puts vulnerable communities at risk to the rapid spread of coronavirus.
What conspiracy theories are most common?
While there are more niche theories, the two most common dictate that COVID-19 is a hoax, or that it is a man-made virus that was purposefully released. Dr. Roland Imhoff and PhD candidate Pia Lamberty have noted, “both conspiracy beliefs to be positively correlated and positively correlated with conspiracy mentality.” The belief that coronavirus is a hoax is commonly linked to those unwilling to participate in “containment-related behavior”, such as social distancing and mask-wearing. On the other hand, the other theory can “mainly relate to more self-centered prepping behavior.” Not adhering to public health guidelines affects more than just oneself. It puts many at risk who are unable to combat the virus due to underlying conditions or a weak immune system. By weakening public trust in health officials, conspiracy theories will only harm those most vulnerable.
Demonstrators hold a “Rolling Car Rally” in front of Democratic Governor Ned Lamont’s residence while protesting the state’s stay-at-home order to combat the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic on May 4, 2020 in Hartford, Conn.
https://www.nbcnews.com/tech/tech-news/what-are-we-doing-doctors-are-fed-conspiracies-ravaging-ers-n1201446
Are they dangerous?
Other theories stem from beyond an illusion of control. A false “vaccine” has been widely circulated on the internet, involving ingesting a mixture of “sodium chlorite solution with citric acid, generating chlorine dioxide solution.” The American Food and Drug Administration has warned against this due to its potentially fatal results. While some theories may seem harmless and even laughable, others can have dire consequences if taken seriously. Without a strong trust in public health, many are at risk to fall victim to these dangerous and false remedies.
Now the question arises: does anyone actually believe in that? The answer is an astounding yes.
A study through the Pew Research Center has shown that the belief that the pandemic has been blown out of proportion or exaggerated rose from 29% of Americans in late April to 38% in June. Additionally, a separate study also showed “49 percent claimed that the coronavirus is a manmade epidemic” and “13 percent were convinced that the coronavirus is a hoax.” With scientific advice muddled down by untrue theories and unreliable sources, many are left confused and often at a loss as to what to look for.
Conspiracy theories and their effects
Believers in each of these theories typically do not trust institutions, particularly the WHO and CDC, despite scientific evidence. Some of this may be due to a previous distrust in institutions to begin with, but the sudden surge of misinformation on the Internet seems to be a leading cause as well. Those who believe that the government purposefully created the virus are less likely to adhere to their guidelines, ultimately resulting in more risks of public safety. If they do not believe the institutions creating these containment guidelines are telling the truth, then why should they listen to what they have to say? Additionally, those who believe the virus is a hoax or exaggerated for political purposes are “less likely to follow official recommendations like hand-washing and social-distancing.”
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-52224331
How have conspiracy theories impacted public health?
People heavily influenced by those beliefs may not adhere to scientific advice, especially when public health officials are used as a justification method rather than expert guidance. President Trump has criticised the World Health Organization for being “too easy” on China, and eventually withdrew the United States from the international organization. Before that, he publicly questioned if disinfectant injections or ultraviolet light through the skin could eradicate the virus from an infected individual. Wild inaccuracies coming from government leaders does everything but a sense of ease. If public health institutions can barely get the President to wear a mask, it gives the public even more reason to distrust them. Conspiracy theories reinforce the lack of faith in public health institutions, especially when those theories come from leaders of a country.
What can we do?
At the end of the day, these increased risk factors will not only impact the individuals themselves, but vulnerable communities such as the elderly, immunocompromised, and those with underlying conditions. In the age of information, it can be difficult to understand a complex issue fully, but it is not impossible. Listening to health officials and recognizing misinformation is the only concrete way to contain COVID-19 and begin to explore what a new normal may look like
It is very apparent that the spread of misinformation through conspiracy theories can be very dangerous, but how do these conspiracies actually develop into such widely believed ideas? This blog focuses on the effects of conspiracies in America, are such conspiracies as prominent in other countries as well, or is it the lack of faith put into scientific institutions by our government that is causing this issue? With these conspiracy theories causing a significant portion of the United States population to reject the recommended Covid-19 safety measures do you believe that we will ever, as a country, fully recover from this Pandemic?
This is such an interesting topic; conspericy theories have always been a fascinating world to dive into. It’s really eye-opening to see how these theories are affecting/have the potential to affect overcoming Covid-19. I really liked your use of statistics from the Pew Research center shows how many Americans suspect COVID of being man-made. This helps support your closing statement on how this may affect the “new normal.” Including the fact that the President himself doesn’t even wear a mask was a really interesting aspect, and it added to your argument.
conspiracy*
In my opinion, the choice of topic is definitely very interesting and provides an insight into how conspiracy theories have impacted the reliability of trust based on how people choose to believe them or not. I think that this has definitely become such a controversial topic because of the use of conspiracy theories it has definitely stimulated the way we observe the world today, tomorrow, and what the future is yet to hold. Your writing is very informative and simplistic in delivering your point which can definitely captivate the interest of your audience. Misinformation can be a very compelling source that can often raise concerns about how society shapes the reality of certain situations. What is the reliability of the resources we have today? Should we allow conspiracy theories to question the way we’re able to think? And what do you think are some possible sources that provide reliable information that people can actually trust? Overall, I think everyone has heard one or two conspiracy theories throughout the COVID-19 pandemic which can very much question the future outcome. So many can find some sort of attention to this topic because of the uncertainty of the world right now. You’re very reliant and provide relevant and informative citations to the article which I as the reader can appreciate.
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