UCC researcher wins Google scholarship for work on combatting conspiracy theories

PhD student has unique idea to build video games to equip people with critical thinking skills that will allow them to question and evaluate conspiracy theories

UCC student Cian O'Mahony has been awarded a Google Ireland scholarship for researching why people believe in conspiracy theories and what interventions may help them change their minds. Picture: Posed

A University College Cork (UCC) researcher has been awarded a Google scholarship for his novel idea on tackling conspiracy theories.

Cian O'Mahony is hoping to address the root of why conspiracy theorists fall for outlandish ideas by using video games.