Author(s): Ruxandra BULUC, Cristina ARRIBAS, Ana ĆUĆA
Publication name: Romanian Intelligence Studies Review
Publisher name: Mihai Viteazul National Intelligence Academy
Publication type: Journal article
Publication date: December 31, 2023
Pagination:
Issue/ Volume: 2 (30)/2023
DOI:
Abstract:
The present research addresses one of the most pressing current challenges in
fighting disinformation: conspiracy theories. Conspiracy theories have always existed in
societies, however, at present, they have gained momentum due to their easy spread and
appeal in social media. Moreover, they have begun to corrupt people’s understanding of
the world and their willingness to listen to experts and authorities in times of crisis and
not only, thus threatening not only the further development of societies but also the very
health and security of the communities they lived in. The present research has two main
objectives. Firstly, it analyses what conspiracy theories are and what their most prominent
characteristics are, and, secondly, it examines three case studies to verify if the traits
identified in the literature are reflected in actual conspiracy theories. We believe that this
analysis can form the basis for better countering and mitigating the effects conspiracy
theories have on democratic societies.
Keywords: conspiracy theory, characteristics of conspiracy theories, case study,
debunking, democracy.
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