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Abstract

The public is said to be misled by Internet fakery amplified by social media, which contributes to conspiracy belief among those on the political right who feel dispossessed and powerless. In fact, conspiracy belief is difficult to attribute to any one political complexion or social stratum. Uncritical social surveys, especially if taken too literally, easily misrepresent conservative respondents, and the consequent negativity towards them is often exaggerated. Those accusing others of conspiracy belief are at least equally susceptible to the alleged predisposing factor of motivated reasoning.

Keywords

conspiracy theory humour interaction experts/publics lay expertise misinformation mistrust motivated reasoning social survey

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Conspiracy belief is a conspiracy

Abstract

Keywords

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