Description
What is a conspiracy theory, and what distinguishes it from an actual conspiracy? Why do conspiracy theories seem to be so prevalent online, in the media, in our politics and in our popular culture right now? How can we identify misinformation and “fake news” in what we’re reading online? This class will explore the history of conspiracy theories, conspiracy psychology, and how the “conspiracy industry” functions online. We’ll also discuss how to assess claims on social media and common tools used by disinformation peddlers.
