Why Do Conspiracy Theories Concerning Covid-19 Seem To Be So Prevalent?

The COVID-19 pandemic has led to a surge in conspiracy theories, with some believing it originated in a lab in Wuhan, China. This has led to online speculation about the virus’s origins and the leaked coronavirus from a China lab. Medical experts have broken down 9 common COVID-19 vaccine conspiracy theories and myths to explain the science behind these claims.

The pandemic has accelerated the spread of viral misinformation, leading to a proliferation of spurious theories. Conspiracy theorists have exploited the provisional nature of scientific consensus and the realities of how science is conducted. Research shows that beliefs in two popular variants of COVID-19 conspiracy theory are the joint product of psychological predispositions. Psychotic experiences have been shown to be a risk factor for psychiatric disorders such as depression, anxiety, and post-pandemic depression.

Online speculation about the origins of COVID-19 is soaring after a new report from the Energy Department concluding the coronavirus leaked from a China lab. Researchers use AI and witchcraft folklore to map the coronavirus conspiracy theories that have sprung up. Social media platforms have long been recognized as great disseminators of misinformation on health.

Dr. Joanne McVeigh and Prof Malcolm MacLachlan argue that conspiracy theories have been widespread during the pandemic and pose a significant risk to health. Past research shows that the increase in conspiracy theories during a pandemic has been accompanied by a strong push-back from conspiracy theorists who attacked scientific knowledge and scientists.