The article recounts a survivor meeting in Altadena after the devastating Eaton Fire, where residents expressed anger over insufficient emergency alerts and perceived neglect. As conspiracy theories proliferate following tragedies, the author, a journalist and previous observer of these phenomena, reflects on his transformation from a distant analyst to an affected victim. This blend of personal experience with his professional background provides insights into the psychological appeal of conspiracy theories, which often emerge in response to societal crises. As the piece unfolds, it emphasizes the struggle of residents with misinformation amidst their recovery efforts, underscoring how trauma can breed conspiratorial thinking, intensifying community struggles during the aftermath of a disaster.
👉 Pročitaj original: MIT Technology Review