data + feelings

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Why do people fall for conspiracy theories?
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Why do people fall for conspiracy theories?

Fivey returns to teach you about cognitive science in my newest story.

Jasmine Mithani
Jun 15, 2021
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Why do people fall for conspiracy theories?
jazzmyth.substack.com

What makes someone susceptible to conspiratorial thinking? Like a concerning relationship update, it’s complicated.

Illustration of five dug rabbit holes.
Joey Ellis

My colleague Kaleigh Rogers came up with the idea for this story over a year ago, and we were finally able to put all the pieces together to share it with the world. Take a read over your morning coffee, and let me know what you think.

Illustration of Fivey Fox looking through a telescope, taking notes on a notepad. Fivey is dressed in birding gear.
Joey Ellis

Like every FiveThirtyEight interactive, many people ushered this story to completion. Emily Scherer art directed the piece, tapping Joey Ellis to revive Fivey once more. Chadwick Matlin, Julia Wolfe, and Santul Nerkar edited behind the scenes. Dhrumil Mehta checked my math and Dr. Stephanie Mehl checked our science. Anna Wiederkehr translated materials from the original German study for our reference.

What do you think of this piece? What other questions do you have about QAnon and other conspiracy theories? Hit reply or let me know in the comments.

Keep in touch and don’t let the lizard people bite,

Jasmine

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Why do people fall for conspiracy theories?
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Mich
Jun 15, 2021Liked by Jasmine Mithani

Very cool!! I especially liked the birdwatching exercise.

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