CONSPIRACY THEORIES DEBUNKED
Arm yourself with logic and science to avoid falling foul of these mistruths
WORDS AILSA HARVEY
In the world of science, there are many concepts which have been
explored, tested, written into scientific theory and widely
accepted. However, some people choose not to believe the science and instead speculate about how we’re being deceived. A conspiracy theory is an attempt to explain an event alternatively, often involving the concealment of the truth by powerful beings and government groups.
Many struggle to understand how others believe a fictitious storyline with no evidence to back it up, but someone is more likely to be a conspiracy theorist if they possess specific psychological traits. Studies show that a combination of personality traits and motivations make you more likely to believe a conspiracy theory. These include paranoia, impulsivity, insecurity and manipulation. The average conspiracy theory believer relies on their own intuition much more than other personalities do, striving for a better personal understanding of the world and often looking to feel safer in their environment. Many also want to feel superior in their views of the world by straying from the more widely accepted worldview.
Contrails can remain visible in the sky for hours
© Shutterstock
AEROPLANE CONTRAILS ARE MIND-CONTROL CHEMICALS
When aircraft soar through the sky, they leave behind lingering white trails in a range of shapes and sizes. Depending on an aircraft’s height, size and flight path, these trails can vary in appearance. A small percentage of the population are suspicious about the contents of these puffy trails, believing that those in power are poisoning the people of Earth with chemicals for various reasons. Some of the theories include weather control to create rain and prevent droughts, mind control to influence the population’s thoughts for cooperation with the government and population control, including chemicals that reduce fertility.