Covid-19 and conspiracy theories; a social media bonanza – Dr Daniel Jolley

There are many conspiracy theories about the coronavirus; that it was started in a lab in China and did not originate from a wet market in Wuhan; that 5G can spread the virus, to name a few. We seem to be more drawn to conspiracy theories during the coronavirus outbreak; and there are many doing the rounds in South Africa, which are readily shared on social media platforms. But why are people on social media platforms so keen to spread conspiracy theories? Dr Daniel Jolley, a chartered psychiatrist and senior psychology from the University of Northumbria in the UK who specialises in conspiracies, explains why people believe in them. – Linda van Tilburg

While conspiracy theories arise in moments of crisis in society, due to political change or terrorist attacks. But in essence they are believed in periods of uncertainty and when we feel threatened. So Covid-19 fits this particular example. It's a crisis and we're all feeling anxious and uncertain which means that we're more drawn to conspiracy narratives where we assume that powerful actors are involved. Some conspiracy suggestions of the virus are: it could be a bioweapon; that is human made or it links with 5G, for example but it's also trying to understand the chaotic world that we are in.

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