It has been a long time since I have done a topical piece on my blog. There are so many things I would like to say about all matter of subjects, but I worry how they will be received. I am not all about the controversy which is why I shy away from speaking my mind, I guess. Today though I want to talk about the dangers of conspiracy theories in a pandemic.
I am sure we’ve all seen our fair share of them over the years. Some are harmless, some are laughable and others downright dangerous. But since COVID hit, the internet has been awash with them. It is one of the main reasons that I use Social media for my blog only these days. There is just no escape from people’s theories.
In writing this post, I am not hoping to achieve anything, and I want to remain open minded. While possibly ranting a little about how dangerous they can be. I’m all for people having an opinion but what I really worry about is the impact conspiracy theories have both mentally and physically.
The dangers of Conspiracy theories in a pandemic
Let’s talk COVID
So unless you’ve been living under a rock recently or do not go near social media, then let me run through some COVID conspiracy theories for you.
- The pandemic was planned
Coronavirus has been around for years and is often experienced as a mild common cold. The strains that are causing the problem this time around are very different.
Millions have been spent researching and putting together vaccines for some of the strains known to us. This time around there was no amount of planning that could have stopped this particular strain. - The virus is engineered by Humans
OK, So we created a deadly virus for what? What would the end goal be here - 5G created Coronavirus
Nope! Just can’t even go there! No doubt 5G brings along it’s own issues but Coronavirus? REALLY? - The Government want to control us
OK so maybe there is some truth in this but it won’t ever happen. Again what is the end goal? - NHS hospitals are empty
Wanna tell that to every Doctor, Nurse, Porter, Cleaner, Cook etc. Just because you read an article that said a Hospital in Cornwall has had just 3 cases, it means all hospitals are dead!? - It’s just a cold
In its original form, maybe. But I have never had a cold that hospitalised me, Have you? I have never seen the NHS under so much strain with shortages of beds and ventilators. NHS staff on their knees. Or 1000 plus people a day dying from the same virus. - The vaccine is just a tool for the Government to plant chips in us
Hello Bill Gates calling? Nope, didn’t say it!! - Masks make you sick
The NHS wear masks all the time, surely they’d never be in work if this was the case.
I am sure there are many many more that I could list but for now, I think that’s enough to go on. I’m sure its clear to you, dear reader that I don’t buy in to ANY of these theories. But why do they exist?
How do conspiracy theories start?
My Fiance and I have spoken about this a lot before and he put it in a way that made it seem really straight forward and almost understandable.
In the absence of religion in a lot of peoples lives these days, we are all striving for a reason, a greater plan for things that happen in the world. A way to make sense of it. And I can understand that, I really can.
Before, for example, something terrible could happen and it would be seen as ‘God’s plan’. This made it a lot easier to process the chaos, the devastation and the upset.
Now that we don’t in general follow religion so closely, we NEED a reason for all the bad stuff. We want someone to hate, a scapegoat, maybe even in some cases a logical way to explain it.
I opened the question up on Twitter and it was an interesting response. One in particular from SteelSnowflake really made a lot of sense.
They tend to be overly-elaborate attempts at explaining an impossibly-complicated world, seeing patterns where there aren’t any and giving believers the illusory thrill of peeking behind the veil at what no one else can see. Reality is boring. Conspiracy theories are antidotes.
SteelSnowflake Via Twitter
And that really does sum it perfectly. As I have already said, I don’t want to tell people that they shouldn’t have an opinion. It’s so important that we have our beliefs, but I do feel that we should base our views on something more factual.
There are so many fact checkers, in fact even Social media sites run posts through fact checkers now and will block incorrect content.
How do they spread?
We live in a fast moving world with technology at the forefront of all we do. The internet is the perfect breeding ground for conspiracy theories. It brings together like minded people in a way that would never have been possible 30 years ago. This is both a blessing and a curse.
The problem with the internet is that things become ‘Fact’ very quickly and spread even quicker. The more people read, the more they believe. When like-minded people come together, a lone voice can suddenly feel listened to. The theories develop and fast become their truth. When you hold such strong beliefs though, you feel passionately that others should to.
Often some people will not have the ability to differentiate between the clear facts and the theories.
A message is spread, over and over. It picks up momentum, gathers followers, speeds up and before you know it, every Covid (for example) story that surfaces on the internet is met by 100’s of people claiming the whole thing a sham. Replies that share links to ‘fake news’, claims of evil microchips, empty hospitals and the Shamdemic! Honestly it is exhausting!
But why are Conspiracy theories dangerous?
As conspiracies grow, more and more people share them, believing them. Then influencing others to believe them as well.
They are used as counter arguments and often, in my experience, backed up by information that my 12 year old could have created in his bedroom. Information lifted from conspiracy sites or from genuine media outlets then manipulated to give their version of the truth.
Like the Bill Gates story for example , it has been proved time and time again that what he was referring to was tracking the virus, NOT people! But that doesn’t fit with the theory does it?
I read a heartbreaking story about an influencer from Ukraine. He openly shared with his 1 million instagram followers that he believed Covid wasn’t real, until he caught it while away in Turkey. He spent 8 days in hospital and later died from cardiac complications associated with Covid. Terribly sad for all involved of course. But what damage could be done by him sharing his views on it not being real? Even if only 10% of his followers believed what he told them, that’s 100,000 people potentially who may decide based on his view that they are going to quit following any restrictions; stop wearing a mask, travel freely and mix as they choose. This increases the risk to those people and those around them.
And how many of that 100,000 will pass on this message to their circle? You see how it has the potential to grow?
Come on folks, someone actually drank disinfectant after hearing Trump say that it could stop Covid!
Are conspiracy theories just an excuse?
So let’s get a little more controversial for a minute hey. Does believing in conspiracy theories offer truth or just an excuse to behave in a way that fits our life.
If you’re over the pandemic (Just a side note… We ALL are!) and want to live by your own rules then in-steps bizarre theories to save the day. Suddenly someone is telling YOUR truth, The one that fits with the world you want. Want to go to your friends during lockdown? Well the pandemic doesn’t exist so go for it! Want to go to a party with 50 people in a house? SHAMDEMIC… Do it! Round off that mixer with a quick trip to Grandma, she will love it.
Every person I have seen continually breaking lock down rules this last year are the same ones sharing these theories. Constantly criticising us sheep for following the rules. Sharing dangerous information which is so far from true.
Seeing is believing?
Conspiracy theorists are entering hospitals, filming empty corridors. Sharing this footage as proof that we are being lied to. Yet if I think of my nearest hospital, You can’t access wards without being buzzed in. So this would mean that corridors would be quiet as people are not allowed to visit family in hospitals, many regular appointments are cancelled and no one in their right mind would let ANYONE on to a ward right now.
Again though, this ‘proof’ is being shared and believed. You can almost understand why people are choosing to ignore the restrictions in place.
Maybe we do need to see it to truly believe what it’s like in hospitals. Hey maybe all those doubters could go and do a few shifts on the Covid wards without a face mask of course. Those things are useless after all!
Anti-Vaxxers
With the good news of a vaccine came the rise of the Anti VAXXER! Reports say that millions of people have joined the anti-vaxxer community since Covid-19 began. Now this is a tricky subject, and I am not here to tell you what to do one way or another.
BUT this movement has gathered momentum and that brings the risk of people refusing to have a Covid-19 vaccine, simply off the back of mis-information. I am all for doing your research but finding measured, balanced information currently is hard. Google is full of theories and it can be difficult to sort the truth from fiction.
The more people that choose to avoid the vaccine based on this information, the bigger the risk that the current Covid levels will continue to increase. Prolonging this pain for us all, worldwide.
Let’s be sensible
So what’s the message I am trying to give to you here? Don’t believe everything you read. Please stop justifying rule breaking because of information circulating on the internet from unreliable sources.
If you see something that you feel might not be right, double check it. Run it through a fact checker, back it up from credible resources. I know that the media has its faults and I know for sure that the Government don’t always get it right. But ask yourself again, what would the end goal be for them in this situation.
Stop villainising the Government and remember the huge lengths they’ve gone to to ensure people’s jobs are protected. The funds put in to the vaccine, Christ even the eat out to help out which I know WE all utilised in some way! Remember that some of you are at home, loving this new way of working. You can’t enjoy that element but resent having your freedom taken from you.
Think really hard about your actions and if you could be putting people at risk. Don’t try to influence others unless you know what you say to be true. Claiming that the media are scaremongering but is a conspiracy theory really any different in this?
Please follow the rules, regardless of whether you believe in them or not because if we all do what we need to do, this really could be over.
How do you feel about conspiracy theories? Do they have a place in our day to day lives or are they dangerous and causing more harm than good?
This is fabulous Claire! I agree with you on the danger of conspiracy theories.
Years ago, when I was diagnosed with cancer, it drove me crazy when people would say there was a cure for cancer but the parmaceutical companies were suppressing it because they make so much money manufacturing treatments, or that chemotherapy is more toxic to you than cancer. There are so many flaws to this logic that I won’t go into here but it’s another example of how people don’t take the time to educate themselves or check facts.
Thanks for sharing this important message.
Thank you so much for commenting Michelle.
That must have mad a terrible situation even worse. I think of all the theories that has to be one of the most ridiculous!
I hope you’re cancer free now x x
Thank you for this post! Conspiracy theories are super dangerous, especially those surrounding COVID. I think it’s kind of ironic because with the internet you can look up credible information and sources but then people believe some idiot on social media. It’s sad.
All the best, Michelle (michellesclutterbox.com)
lol…that’s a great point. Yes, it is very ironic. Truth, context, facts, nuance – everything – is a mere Google search away. And yet, here we are…
Ha! I was reading this wonderful article and then came across my own (SteelSnowFlake) quote. I forgot about that! It’s great to read your take on this topic. I enjoyed it.
Conspiracy theories fascinate me because they seem like a kind of cognitive contagion. They can infect otherwise normal people and make them believe the most incredible things. I’ve seen it happen many times in recent years. I have friends I consider far smarter and better educated than me who remain convinced that the recent US election “was stolen,” despite all the evidence to the contrary. Meanwhile, the word of my deeply flawed President is taken as unquestioned truth by the same people.
A few of them also believe some of the COVID conspiracies you mention in your article. It baffles me. When I talk to them, I just try and listen and ask questions. Listening makes them feel like they are being heard, and asking questions maybe…just maybe…plants a seed of doubt that could later sprout into clarity.
Maybe…
Honestly, I love a good conspiracy theory. Melania was definitely replaced by multiple doubles.
But when it comes to something as devastating as Covid, where the evidence is literally all around you and its’s so dangerous, I don’t understand that at all.
Cora | https://www.teapartyprincess.co.uk/
This is such an important post, thank you so much for informing and encouraging people to think before believing one of these conspiracy theories. I work in the healthcare sector so try to keep away from any conspiracy theories that I see online, as they’re so disheartening to read x
The conspiracy theories are actually really wild and really scary. The people that believe them frighten the life out of me!
Rosie
It still astonishes me that there are people out there who think the pandemic is a hoax, so the government want to mess up the entire economy for what?? We live in a crazy world!
Such a fab post and I really cannot help but chuckle… I hear or read everything you have listed all day, every day! I’ve tried to clock off from it all, I assume that I will receive a Breaking News notification when there is better news… it’s seriously hard to clock off though. Any type of theory is dangerous, but at the moment, we don’t need theories… we actually need solutions. Shame some couldn’t put more time and effort into that, than trying to work out if Covid did come from a lab or a bat! You just keep safe and ignore the crazy people! Sim x
Such a brilliant post and one I’m definitely sharing to friends and family. I’m immunocompromised and still have family members insisting covid is a hoax and keep wanting to come over with their kids and hang out? Like I don’t understand it at all, especially when they argue that it was all caused by 5G? Like, completely don’t understand at all! It’s really frightening to see so many people believe these theories even when presented with the facts.
I think conspiracy theories are a way of people feeling important. They ‘know’ something you don’t. Of course, none of it is based in science. With social media everyone has a voice and that’s the way misinformation is spread. People need to have inquiring minds but look at the source of the information.
I don’t think I will ever understand people who think Covid-19 is a hoax. I don’t think anyone would intentionally do something to cause most of the world to stop in such a big way. I think number 8 is partially true but not in the way people perceive it. Masks can be dangerous if you are not washing them regularly which can cause breathing issues. But that is down to human error and not the mask itself. I think people will always take a partial fact (or complete fiction) and build on it as an excuse to allow them to do what they want.
Great post! I actually used to really enjoy watching videos about conspiracy theories. I didn’t really believe them but they were interesting to think about and contemplate. But with something like the pandemic, which is destroying so many people’s lives, it’s just so dangerous to be spreading such hurtful lies. I actually know someone who believes it’s all Bill Gates – it’s ridiculous!
Oh Claire, this is an amazing post! So many things that I have been thinking but you’ve put them all into words in the best way. The danger of how these theories are spread just can’t be underestimated. Thank you for this, it’s spot on! x
Amazing post! I agree, conspiracy theories are dangerous, especially right now. It is difficult to separate fact from fiction. Although I understand peoples need to have someone to blame, I wish we could all be a little more discerning in the theories we choose to spread. I little common sense and some research can go a long way. Thanks for sharing this post!
They are crazy! Simply researching goes a long way x
This is such a great and informative post. It can be dangerous to spread false information for sure during a pandemic.
Thank you so much x x
I think most of the conspiracy theories you mentioned are baloney. Unfortunately, covid isn’t the only time they arise. Certain vaccines in general have sparked the exact same debate here for years.
Utter nonsense isn’t it x
I’m so glad you wrote this post, Claire! It’s an important topic and astonishing how many people are swept away with false conspiracy theories. The point about needing a way to explain away what we don’t understand was a good one. Yet, what happened to critical thinking skills? I think the best investment we could make going forward would be in the educational system. People have lost the ability to think.
It really does make me so cross whenever I see it. I have had to hide most news outlets now where all the theorists pop up!
This is such an important post that everyone definitely needs to read! I’ve never really thought much about conspiracies before the pandemic, and now my mind is baffled at how people can believe some of the things that are out there. It’s so important to stay with the facts and the truth to stop this all getting worse. Great post!
There are just so many theories about covid, it’s crazy!
There are so many conspiracy theory going around at the moment and to be honest I do enjoy reading them and having a good giggle about it. Joke aside, we do need to know the difference between fake news and real news and act accordingly.
I think they are hilarious at times but its knowing when to take them seriously or not… It’s usually not x
The conspiracy theories that COVID isn’t real or isn’t as bad as people are saying is the worst. I have a few friends who work for the NHS and what they’re saying and seeing is horrible x
I just can’t believe that after a year, they can still deny it x
OMG finally someone who thinks on the same wavelength as me, I have seen way too many conspiracies I don’t even want to be on social media that much. Shame about the Ukrainian influencer
I have certainly stopped using social media so much since this happened x
Great post! I think conspiracy theories are so interesting to hear. I’ve always been fascinated by them and the though people put into backing it up. I definitely don’t believe them but love researching about them haha I’m also a very logical person too but do believe it causes more harm to the environment because other people may be influenced easily. I also believe that the media is fear-mongering but at the same time, I don’t see any solution because people will only take things seriously if it’s plastered all over the media so it’s necessary! Thanks for sharing x
http://www.lynnmumbingmejia.com
Some of the theories are fascinating and it is easy to get wrapped up in them, but you’re right the media have a lot to answer to!
This is a brilliant post. I personally think these theories are dangerous. Like you said in the post, they don’t share the full details and put people at risk of catching covid.
Very needed post! The thing that I can’t stand is when people are like “well were gonna get the vaccine at this point probably” or “were definitely still gonna be facing this in years to come” we don’t actually know any of these things so there’s no point making assumptions in my opinion, especially if they’re spreading negativity.
Lauren | https://www.wooloftheking.com/
yes I have heard so many crazy conspiracy theories regarding COVID-19. I am honestly aghast at these people who spread that and specially those who believe it specially that COVID isn’t real. I read about that Ukrainian influencer too. It was terrible news that he died.
Liz
http://www.piecesofliz.com
It is heartbreaking that he died, I’d not wish it on anyone but it does sum up how crazy his views were x
This is so important to talk about! Some of the conspiracies that are flying around are ridiculous – it’s so true to believe everything you read xx
Conspiracy theories just blow my mind that people believe them so freely x
This is a great post! I’ve heard a ton of conspiracy theories including covid isn’t real or serious, the vaccine is being used to plant chips as well as specifically the New World Order planned the pandemic to control us.
I agree the conspiracy theories are dangerous because there are no facts behind them & it just leads to people not following the restrictions & not wearing masks, not social distancing, not getting the vaccine, etc.
Thank you! I just can’t believe people are still so open about their distrust of the whole thing, it seems crazy to me x
Definitely agree that conspiracy theories can be very dangerous, and I’m always surprised at how quick people are to believe the information flying around without any evidence. Some of the things people assume about the pandemic are almost scary, I struggle to understand it!
Anika | chaptersofmay.com
It seems to be utter madness to be honest x
I see so much rubbish on my feed, I try not to look afternoon. I have also watched people falling out with each other because everyone believes themselves to be correct. It’s crazy!
It is madness how passionate people are about being ‘right’ about Covid and their theories x
This was an interesting post. To me these causes seem silly (in my opinion). My auntie is a nurse and sees first hand what this virus is doing to the hospitals, they are not empty. One of my little sisters has covid and luckily she seems to be doing much better. My uncle had it again luckily he is okay. But this not fake and people who have lost family members know that this is not fake! It is frustrating that people are breaking lockdown rules and don’t seem to be listening this time around even more than back in March and they are part of the problem and why we will have to stay in lockdown. I personally just wish people would take wearing a mask, staying home and not mixing with others seriously because over 100,000 families have lost someone they care about because of it. Thank you for sharing this interesting and well written post Claire.
Lauren http://www.bournemouthgirl.com
It is utterly heartbreaking that people have such a crazy view on it. I am so glad your Sister and Uncle are OK x x
Feels like there’s finally someone who’s thinking in the same direction as me. Conspiracy theories are real and I totally agree with you on the fact that conspiracy theories are dangerous. I have heard so many conspiracy theories about Covid and sometimes I get so marvelled by how unrealistic people can be and how fast people believe things without any facts. I enjoyed reading your thoughts on this. Great post Claire!
Thank you so much Ruth x
Thanks for sharing, these people that spread these theories are very poorly educated and have most of them have any actual evidence that they are true, I just think they are all crazy 🙂
I completely agree and found what you had to say fascinating and thought provoking. Thank you for highlighting and raising awareness about the dangers of conspiracy theories!
[…] The dangers of conspiracy theories in a pandemic […]