Some just want to promote conflict, cause chaos, or even just get attention.

There has been a lot of research on the types of people who believe conspiracy theories, and their reasons for doing so. But there’s a wrinkle: My colleagues and I have found that there are a number of people sharing conspiracies online who don’t believe their own content.

They are opportunists. These people share conspiracy theories to promote conflict, cause chaos, recruit and radicalize potential followers, make money, harass, or even just to get attention.

There are several types of this sort of conspiracy-spreader trying to influence you.

  • surewhynotlem@lemmy.world
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    7 hours ago

    so why not have fun?

    No raindrop feels itself responsible for the flood.

    By perpetuating and increasing human stupidity, you’re enabling the situation you’re complaining about.

    • Admiral Patrick@dubvee.orgOP
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      6 hours ago

      No raindrop feels itself responsible for the flood.

      I love that, and I don’t think I’ve heard it before.

      • bizarroland@fedia.io
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        4 hours ago

        I came across this phrase organically by accidental haiku:

        Water drops in the Ocean never mean to be- come a tsunami