Why creationism bears all the hallmarks of a conspiracy theory

An inevitable part of the internet age, some conspiracy theories appear and then fade, but in the US particularly, creationism seems firmly embedded in religion, education and pseudoscience.

Paul Braterman, Hon. Research Fellow; Professor Emeritus in Chemistry, University of Glasgow • conversation
Feb. 4, 2021 • ~8 min

COVID-19 misinformation on Chinese social media – lessons for countering conspiracy theories

The type and amount of misinformation closely tracks tensions in US-China relations. Effectively countering the misinformation comes down to who does the debunking.

Kaiping Chen, Assistant Professor of Science Communication, University of Wisconsin-Madison • conversation
Jan. 28, 2021 • ~8 min

Far-right groups move to messaging apps as tech companies crack down on extremist social media

Encrypted messaging services like Telegram provide virtual dark corners where far-right extremists can recruit, organize and plan unhindered.

Kevin Grisham, Professor of Global Studies, California State University San Bernardino • conversation
Jan. 22, 2021 • ~8 min

COVID-19 misinformation: scientists create a 'psychological vaccine' to protect against fake news

A 'psychological vaccine' has proven effective in countering belief in COVID-19 conspiracies.

Jon Roozenbeek, Postdoctoral Fellow, Psychology, University of Cambridge • conversation
Jan. 19, 2021 • ~8 min

Fake news: bold visual warnings needed to stop people clicking – new research

Prominent 'danger' signs are needed online to warn people about misinformation.

Fiona Carroll, Senior Lecturer in Digital Media and Smart Technologies, Cardiff Metropolitan University • conversation
Jan. 18, 2021 • ~5 min

Bold visual warnings are needed to stop people clicking on fake news

Prominent 'danger' signs are needed online to warn people about misinformation.

Fiona Carroll, Senior Lecturer in Digital Media and Smart Technologies, Cardiff Metropolitan University • conversation
Jan. 18, 2021 • ~5 min

Big Tech's rejection of Parler shuts down a site favored by Trump supporters – and used by participants in the US Capitol insurrection

Millions of supporters of Donald Trump flocked to the far-right social media platform, where hate speech and calls for violence thrive. The US Capitol insurrection could be the platform's undoing.

Alex Newhouse, Research Lead, Center on Terrorism, Extremism, and Counterterrorism, Middlebury Institute of International Studies • conversation
Jan. 12, 2021 • ~12 min

Far-right activists on social media telegraphed violence weeks in advance of the attack on the US Capitol

Trump supporters openly discussed forcing Congress and Vice President Pence to overturn the election results.

Alex Newhouse, Research Lead, Center on Terrorism, Extremism, and Counterterrorism, Middlebury Institute of International Studies • conversation
Jan. 8, 2021 • ~8 min

Parler is bringing together mainstream conservatives, anti-Semites and white supremacists as the social media platform attracts millions of Trump supporters

Millions of supporters of Donald Trump have flocked to the far-right social media platform Parler, where heat speech thrives.

Alex Newhouse, Research Lead, Center on Terrorism, Extremism, and Counterterrorism, Middlebury Institute of International Studies • conversation
Nov. 27, 2020 • ~11 min

An AI tool can distinguish between a conspiracy theory and a true conspiracy – it comes down to how easily the story falls apart

Computational methods could help identify conspiracy theories as they emerge.

Timothy R. Tangherlini, Professor of Danish Literature and Culture, University of California, Berkeley • conversation
Nov. 13, 2020 • ~10 min

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