Conspiracy Theories on the Rise

A Scope Analysis of  the Conspiracy Theories during the Pandemic 

In a period of uncertainty, fear, and continuous talks from experts presenting facts, conspiracy theories have been thriving. For over a year, conspiracy theories have emerged ranging from explanations over the source of the virus to controversial suggestions of how to protect the public from potential infection.

Among other theories, some of the prevalent conspiracy rumors that circulated over the spread of the coronavirus are:

• The epidemic seen as a hoax
• The laboratory creation of the virus and its deliberate spread to serve as a bioweapon
• The role of the 5G technologies in the spread of the virus
• Vaccination as a control or monitoring tool of the public on a global scale

Of course, setting a straight line of what is fake or real is quite essential, especially when this entails such a sensitive matter as the value of health and human life. Misinformation not only undermines the global response to the pandemic but also endangers social unity. This is why policymakers should pay extra attention to the debunking of circulating myths, which will empower social cohesion and cooperation.

Before this article gets deeper into the roots of the Covid-19 theories, it is essential to explore the definition of the conspiracy theories.

What is a conspiracy theory?

Based on the existing literature, a conspiracy is a secret plot of two or more powerful actors, whose ultimate goal is to take over power – political or economic – and replace the legitimate institutions or decision-makers via secretive means such as rights violation. Their agenda is usually perceived as malevolent and illicit. For this reason, conspiracies are bound to fail, as they are likely to be exposed.

As a counterbalance to these secretive activities, a conspiracy theory aims to interpret and ultimately uncover these undergoing plots. There is no doubt that multiple conspiracy theories have made their debut and then disappeared throughout history such as the Watergate Scandal in American domestic affairs. In other cases, they remained myth years or decades after their emerge with a proportion of the global population still believing in them. A good example is the terrorist attack of 9/11 and the rumors surrounding this tragedy, with some believing that behind its planning hides a secretive operation between the Bush administration, the Jews, and the Saudis.

The main difference between conspiracy and a theory is that conspiracies are based on real events, while theories are allegations that may or may not be true. Although conspiracy theories can be useful to uncover the truth or simply harmless, they can be also proved detrimental when this involves sensitive subjects such as health-related issues. In this category fall the COVID-19 conspiracies but before diving into the epidemic theories, it is important to understand why people find resort to such ideas and how the internet has helped their rapid proliferation.

What motivates people to believe in conspiracy theories?

From the psychological perspective, strong feelings seem to nurture people’s minds with secretive plots for matters that cannot be explained logically or threaten the social structure. Therefore, a conspiracy theory can be described as a coping mechanism to deal with difficult situations where fear or anger is instilled (Douglas et al., 2019).

The above observation is fully applicable in the outbreak of COVID-19 conspiracy theories, as the pandemic has cultivated a feeling of uncertainty and fear for the unknown. By all accounts, the virus has turned upside down the world as was previously known. Multiple lockdowns have led to large-scale changes in the socio-economic infrastructure; many lost their jobs and people were required to remain home.

This feeling of powerlessness and existential anxiety has pushed many to wonder why this epidemic was so different from previous ones that led to such measures. This fact raised questions and urged people to try and explain what caused this new reality while searching for methods to protect themselves from the virus. As a corollary, a climate of terror and misinformation prevailed throughout the media, which intensified the polarisation of the communities. The role of the media is further investigated below.

The danger of misinformation across the internet and other media

There is much debate over how the wider use of the internet has profited from the dissemination of false information worldwide during the pandemic. Social distancing and isolation meant that people had more time in their hands to spend on online platforms. The plethora of websites on the internet allowed readers to use the online platforms of their trust to stay informed; meaning that those prone to believe conspiracies would seek out information on conspiracy-related websites.

According to this logic, the interaction between conspiracy and non-conspiracy readers remains quite limited. As Douglas et al. infer, people tend to read from the sources they trust and dismiss information not related to their personal views. This has been the main ally for international fora and institutions in their battle against fabricated news such as the World Health Organisation. The recruit of online campaigns as well as close partnerships with social media and technology companies helped institutions to beat fake news and provide evidence-based guidance.

On the other hand, a recent study presented on WHO’s website stresses the detrimental consequences of the infodemics – a term developed to describe the overabundance of information to undermine public health:

 The vaccination views of 100 million Facebook users globally found that while the pro-vaccination camp (6.9 million people) outnumbered those against vaccination (4.2 million), the anti-vaccine group was less isolated and had more interaction with the individuals (by far the largest group, at 74.1 million) who are undecided about vaccination. These “swing vaxxers” are important to target and get on board with lifesaving vaccination (World Health Organization, 2020). 

Based on the above, it is clear that the power of technology and social media has enhanced the outreach of conspiracy theorists, which deepens the public division and hatred among the believers and non-believers, adding to the undermining of the health response to the pandemic. The next section focuses on the social division and the underlying socio-political implications.

Deepening the social division: A battle between pro-vaccination and anti-vaccination groups

Nowadays, conspiracy theorists are marginalized and are viewed as irrational. Although the anti-vaccination conspiracy theories are not new, a new feature has unearthed with the rise of the coronavirus. From the early discussions about the need to develop an effective vaccine against the virus, a strong layer of reaction surged towards the potential of getting vaccinated – long before its manufacturing (Stein et al, 2021). Since vaccines were rolled out, the debate between the pro-vaccine and anti-vaccine groups has intensified. On the leap of faith that restrictions can be finally eased, states have been considering issuing passports for the vaccinated population.

Inevitably, this has been translated as a set of privileges and priorities for the vaccinated, a  development that could flare up a discriminatory behavior towards the non-vaccinated population limiting their rights to travel, access to work, etc. Creating a group of vaccinated and non-vaccinated can lead to a two-tier society of “winners” and “losers”, which opens the debate for ethical and legal dilemmas. Although the incentive to vaccination might be the protection of the individual and the fellow citizens from the virus, a mishandling might bring the entirely opposite result.

Marginalizing those that refuse or hesitate to receive a jab might stigmatize them and label them as conspiracy theorists. For this reason, it is important for scholars to carefully define what is considered a conspiracy theory; a biased definition can bury up valid concerns and legitimate arguments. And let’s not forget that groups of skeptics can easily fall victims to specific political interests who can label their opponents as conspiracy theorists, in order to deflect criticism and undermine them.

Finally, it is important to distinguish the opponent from the hesitant. Denial can be linked with the religious or ethnic background of the individual, while hesitancy can be an expression of the reservation to the safety or efficacy of the vaccine, which can alter the view of proven evidence for the safety of the vaccines.  These are important parameters that policymakers should take into account before rolling out any legislation for the vaccinated and non-vaccinated population. Besides, demonizing a group of citizens can only profit from the development of conspiracy theories that base their rhetoric in the disadvantaged position of those that refuse to conform with the measures (Uscinski & Parent, 2014; quoted in Douglas et al., 2019: 9).

Closing thoughts and suggestions

Overall, conspiracy theories consist a controversial topic. A recommendation infered  from other studies is to examine them with caution. While holding some reservations, conspiracy theories should be viewed as a useful aspect of the democratic discourse. In some cases, they might hold a glimpse of truth against a corrupted system. On the other hand, they might lead to harmful consequences for society depending on their rhetoric.

Especially for health-related choices, misinformation can become really dangerous. Policymakers should be more transparent and clear on controversial topics that lead people to seek the truth to various sources.  Recommended practices include the promotion of collectivism throughout campaigns that engage the public in preventive behaviors (Douglas, 2020); the dissemination of accurate information while respecting at the same time the freedom of expression (World Health Organisation, 2020b).

Last but not least, it is important to avoid the alienation of those who are reluctant towards the vaccination. Society should be cautious of labeling anyone who is hesitant to get vaccinated as a conspiracy theorist or enemy of the science; they are simply more reserved and cautious over the consequences of the vaccine that is still in its early stages. As Dr. Pamela Toliman, a research fellow at the PNG Institute of Medical Research, stated in Guardian’s article:

There is certainly a need to ascertain public willingness to accept the vaccine, but also to understand underlying factors that fuel the spread of misinformation” (McClure, 2021).

By creating a two-group society of “us” and “them”, skeptics are more prone to adopt a conspiracy theory and lose their trust towards the government and the mainstream media. What’s even worse, the distrust among the believers and non-believers can cause discriminatory approaches among them, with further implications to the social infrastructure (Jolley et al, 2018; quoted in Douglas, 2020:273).

Photo: Dave Center. Conspiracy (2012). Source: (flickr.com)| (CC BY 2.0)

Bibliography

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McClure H. (2021) How conspiracy theories led to Covid vaccine hesitancy in the Pacific, The Guardian, 12th of May, Available at: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/may/13/how-conspiracy-theories-led-to-covid-vaccine-hesitancy-in-the-pacific (Accessed 05/07/2021)

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Schraer R. (2021) Covid vaccine passports could discriminate, experts warn, BBC News, 19th of February, Available at: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-56125142 (Accessed 05/07/2021)

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Syal R. (2021) Covid passports will be discriminatory and must be scrapped say MPs, The Guardian, Available at: https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2021/jun/12/covid-passports-will-be-discriminatory-and-must-be-scrapped-say-mps (Accessed 05/07/2021)

World Health Organisation (2020a) Immunizing the public against misinformation, Available at (https://www.who.int/news-room/feature-stories/detail/immunizing-the-public-against-misinformation) (Accessed 05/07/2021)

World Health Organisation (2020b) Managing the COVID-19 infodemic: Promoting healthy behaviours and mitigating the harm from misinformation and disinformation, Statement, 23rd of September, Available at: https://www.who.int/news/item/23-09-2020-managing-the-covid-19-infodemic-promoting-healthy-behaviours-and-mitigating-the-harm-from-misinformation-and-disinformation#:~:text=An%20infodemic%20is%20an%20overabundance,of%20groups%20or%20individuals (Accessed 05/07/2021)