From Where Does Conspiracy Theory Originate?

The modern conspiracy theory, originating from “Pizzagate” to “QAnon”, has been a constant hum in the background for at least the past 100 years. The term “conspiracy theory” emerged around 1870 and began to be more popular in the 20th century. It is defined as a theory that rejects the standard explanation for an event and instead credits a covert group or organization with carrying out a secret plot.

Psychologists’ research offers insight into why people put faith in conspiracy theories such as QAnon. Conspiracy theories have a long history, but the actual term “conspiracy theory” emerged much more recently. The COVID-19 pandemic has led to the proliferation of conspiracy theories, which can be dangerous and difficult to identify, debunk, and counter.

The term “conspiracy theory” has had a bad reputation since its first popularization by philosopher Sir Karl Popper in the 1950s. The survivability of conspiracy theories may be aided by psychological biases and distrust of official sources. The term proliferates in newspapers from the 1870s onward, particularly after the assassination of President Garfield in July 1881.

In conclusion, conspiracy theories have a long history, with their origins tracing back centuries. They have been used by politicians to mock and dismiss allegations against them, while philosophers and researchers have studied the survivability of these theories.