Gareth O'Callaghan: A conspiracy theory is a risky mutation of information

I spent time last week researching conspiracy theories, deceptive beliefs that a situation or an event is the result of a secret plan made by powerful people. I slowly realised that the task was amounting to a lot of precious hours I would never get back. 

By the time I threw in the towel, I felt like locking myself in a bedroom and closing the curtains, which, I suspect, is what a lot of conspiracy theorists who take their beliefs seriously do, when they’re sharing their beliefs on social media, or preaching to those they believe need educating.

This is exclusive subscriber content. Already a subscriber? Sign in

Unlimited access starts here.

Try from only €0.25 a day.

Subscribe now

Cancel anytime

Read

Listen

Watch

Play