Why Do Conspiracy Theorists Use Memes?

The Conspiracy Chart, an inverted pyramid graph of conspiracy theories mapped in reality, is a popular meme that serves an ethically sound purpose by highlighting their ridiculousness and improbability. Memes poking fun at conspiracy theories can serve as a platform to share ideas and laugh at them. The propensity to believe in conspiracy theories may be a result of genetic determination, cognitive capacity, and affective reactions. Researchers have found that these critics have been joined by groups from different corners of American society, such as vaccine skeptics, conspiracy theorists, and organizations like East.

There is no shortage of conspiratorial thinking at the moment, and research on conspiracy theories is currently thriving. Boris Noordenbos’ project “Conspiratorial Memory” explores how contemporary conspiracy theories are rooted in stories from the past. This article traces the biopolitical compression of Population Replacement Conspiracy Theories into memes, which have populated far-right boards in the last few years.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, conspiracy theories flourished, and those rejecting official accounts of significant events are often labeled conspiracy theorists and alternative explanations. The science of viral mash-ups reveals why they are so effective at spreading ideas and beliefs. The predecessor to the meme, the political cartoon, has existed for a long time, but the meme evolved beyond the political realm.