Satanism, ritual cults and Hollywood: debunking 'satanic panic' conspiracy theories

Satanic rituals and Hollywood elites: the myths behind satanism conspiracy theories.

Bethan Juliet Oake, PhD Candidate in the School Of Philosophy, Religion And History Of Science, University of Leeds • conversation
May 23, 2023 • ~7 min

Radicalization pipelines: How targeted advertising on social media drives people to extremes

Social media isn’t simply awash in conspiracy theories and extremism. It contains pathways designed to lead people to ever more extreme material.

Jeanna Matthews, Professor of Computer Science, Clarkson University • conversation
Jan. 12, 2022 • ~6 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

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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