Psychologists have found that people are more likely to latch onto conspiracy theories and irrational narratives during times of insecurity. And as COVID-19 continues to create instability in many countries, false narratives about vaccines, 5G mobile networks and other pandemic-related issues are spreading with real-life consequences.

To what degree have fringe narratives become a part of mainstream discourse, and what can be done about it? In a 2020 survey from the Pew Research Center, 20 percent of US respondents who were aware of the online conspiracy theory QAnon - a far-right fantasy that says Donald Trump is fighting a paedophile ring linked to the Democratic Party - said the conspiracy theory was good for the country.

In this episode, we’ll look at why people are attracted to conspiracy theories and how society should respond.

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