How To Dispel Conspiratorial Ideas?

A new review reveals that only certain methods to counteract conspiracy beliefs are effective. The first step is to seek out evidence, as real conspiracies have been confirmed due to there being evidence. However, it’s important to keep calm and not confront falsehoods. With disinformation spreading on an unprecedented scale, experts in cult deprogramming are turning their expertise to those who have fallen for conspiracy theories.

A more effective strategy is to “pre-bunk” conspiracy theories. Misinformation is arguably a greater problem now than ever, and anyone can make a claim, start a conspiracy theory, or post a statistic. A new study has found no evidence that people’s beliefs in conspiracy theories increase over time, and they can even change their minds – just not that often.

Beliefs in conspiracy theories can damage societies and individuals, but the only effective ways to counter them are impractical. Since the pandemic began, the spread of misinformation has seemed more contagious than COVID-19. New technologies, social media, and smartphone applications allow for modifying facts and news and spreading misinformation.

The content-based methods of counter conspiracy theory can partly mitigate conspiratorial belief. Specifically, the science- and social-based methods of counter conspiracy theory can help identify, debunk, and counter conspiracy theories that flourished during the COVID-19 pandemic.