The text examines the evolution and spread of conspiracy theories, referencing historical figures like Richard Hofstadter and Karl Popper. Hofstadter’s concept of the ‘paranoid style’ reveals how conspiratorial thinking has integrated into mainstream politics, particularly with the rise of social media. It emphasizes that contemporary conspiracy theories often exhibit a structure where individual events are construed as manifestations of larger, organized malign influences. With technology facilitating rapid dissemination of misinformation, conspiracy theorists can quickly distort events for political gain, creating an increasingly polarized environment. The text underscores the importance of understanding these patterns for recognizing and countering conspiracist ideologies in today’s political landscape.
👉 Pročitaj original: MIT Technology Review