The spread of conspiracy theories throughout history has often been facilitated by advancements in communication technologies. One prominent example is the Malleus Maleficarum (1486), authored by Heinrich Kramer, which served as a widely circulated handbook for witch-hunters, undergoing 28 editions by 1600. In a similar vein, pamphlets alleging the existence of the Illuminati gained traction after the French Revolution, while early 20th-century radio broadcasts, such as those by Charles Coughlin, disseminated antisemitic conspiracy theories to vast audiences in the United States.
The rise of the internet dramatically accelerated the dissemination of such theories, once thought to democratize information. This ideal has largely been overshadowed by the proliferation of misinformation tailored to align with users’ existing beliefs. Politicians, initially dismissive of the impact of these theories, began to integrate more radical ideas into mainstream discourse. For instance, during the 1990s, narratives framing Bill and Hillary Clinton not merely as corrupt but as malevolent gained traction on internet forums, talk radio, and eventually, social media platforms.
Currently, social media algorithms produce conditions that can facilitate the rapid spread of conspiracy theories. As platforms like YouTube and Facebook prioritize engaging content, they inadvertently promote radicalization. The effect is compounded as artificial intelligence continues to weave into daily life, with chatbots potentially reinforcing users’ biases rather than providing factual information.
The nature of conspiracy theories seems to have shifted. Events surrounding high-profile incidents, such as the October 2022 attack on Paul Pelosi and various other violent occurrences, have generated quick, unfounded theories that vanish as swiftly as they emerge. The focus behind these theories often appears to be about discrediting political adversaries rather than uncovering truth. Notably, some political figures have drawn on conspiracy-laden narratives to forge unusual alliances, demonstrating how these ideas can transcend traditional political boundaries.
Source: https://www.technologyreview.com/2025/10/30/1126457/its-never-been-easier-to-be-a-conspiracy-theorist/