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Conspiracy TheoriesConspiracy theories can generally be defined as unverified explanations for significant events, often suggesting secret plots orchestrated by powerful and malicious actors. They remain prevalent even when other, more probable explanations are available to us. Sometimes they seem totally ridiculous, and sometimes they're real. Put on your tinfoil hat and join us in exploring some of the most fascinating theories out there.Explore Conspiracy Theories
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The long history of Kurt Cobain suicide conspiracy theoriesCobain died by suicide in 1994, but it wasn't long before fans began espousing conspiracy theories alleging that the government or his wife and lead singer of Hole, Courtney Love, had him killed. Seattle police revisited the case in 2014, but determined that it was indeed a suicide. History of the 90sConspiracy theories persist around Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s 1968 assassinationDespite multiple investigations—including FBI inquiries and a 1979 House committee report—questions and conspiracy theories have continued to surround the 1968 assassination of Dr. King long after his assassin’s conviction. NPRConspiracy theories today are often born from online radicalizationNew York Times tech columnist Kevin Roose examines how individuals become radicalized while using platforms like YouTube. Hate crimes that took place before the COVID-19 pandemic inspired the podcast, which looks at online commentators, algorithms, and isolation, and possible explanations for how increased online activity can sometimes lead to violent crime. SpotifyDenver International Airport is associated with numerous dark conspiracy theoriesSince opening in 1995, the country's largest airport has spurred a variety of conspiracy theories. Some believe the runways form a hate symbol; others believe its giant horse statue is cursed. Mental FlossLimited transparency soon after Chernobyl made it a source of conspiracy theoriesSome rumors about the event became perceived as more reliable than the Soviet mass media, which had omitted key information during the early days of uncertainty. The resulting theories included CIA involvement in the disaster, three-headed birds, aliens, and a weaponized earthquake. The Reactor RoomConspiracy theories come from distrust in government, media, and institutionsSome believe JFK's assassination was orchestrated by larger networks rather than a lone shooter. Skeptics wondered how one unknown man could kill the most powerful person in America, and believed the CIA, FBI, or Soviet government played a role in the murder. Jaydone HistoryExplore a podcast devoted to uncovering different conspiracy theoriesHear stories of controversial events from all around the world and come to your own conclusions about why they happened—and if someone shaped the narrative around them. From art fraud to the death of a Roman emperor, this Spotify podcast covers it all. Conspiracy TheoriesWind farms are targets for conspiracy theories due to their visibility and complexityThe proliferation of misinformation and conspiracy theories surrounding wind farms is driven by deep-seated anxieties about change, distrust of government, and resistance to confronting the complexities of modern energy solutions. The Conversation'Birds Aren't Real' parodies the way memes traffic conspiracy theoriesPeter McIndoe claims the US government killed 12 billion birds only to replace them with drones. These statements have powered protests—and McIndoe's fictional campaign that highlights how conspiracies and their theorists are treated. TEDAn independent research team believes musician Kurt Cobain's death was not a suicideConspiracy theorists have long argued that the Nirvana frontman's 1994 death was a homicide. In 2026, an independent research team reached a similar conclusion. The Seattle Police Department, however, revisited the case in 2014 and maintained that it was a suicide. NewsweekSome online users believe gravity will 'switch off' for 7 seconds in August 2026Conspiracy theorists believe NASA is preparing for the gravity blackout under a classified operation called "Project Anchor." They speculate that the purpose of the secret project is to test whether Earth can survive such an event. NASA has rejected the claim. Considering the physics of a gravity blackout, the outcome would likely be chaotic but not total destruction. The Economic TimesWikiracing involves moving between two articles in the fewest clicksThe quirky pastime has evolved into a competitive event at yearly Wikimedia conferences, highlighting the interconnectedness of human knowledge. Neuroscientific research suggests lateral thinking is a crucial skill found in successful Wikiracers. Slate MagazineCoverage of the 9/11 terrorist attacks helped shape Wikipedia's editorial policiesLaunched nine months earlier, the site was featured on Yahoo's news page, attracting traffic from information seekers as dozens of new editors created hundreds of articles, including memorials, conspiracy theories, and donation and volunteer pages. Discussions between editors would begin establishing rules for handling breaking news events. Fast CompanyThe reptilian conspiracy theory posits that humanoid lizards run the worldConspiracy theorists believe shape-shifting reptiles have taken human form and gained authority to manipulate human populations. From US politicians to British royalty, could lizard people be holding positions of power? Everyone RelaxPsychology research shows that conspiracy theorists tend to have a desire to be uniqueWhile conspiracy theorists are often understood to have feelings of powerlessness in their lives, research suggests they may also be inclined to set themselves apart from the masses. AeonSome people believe Paul McCartney died in 1966The "Paul is dead" theory proposes the famous Beatle died in a car crash and was replaced by a McCartney look-alike. The idea gained traction after a student's article exploring the topic was published in 1969. Some fans believe The Beatles left clues of McCartney's passing in their songs. The Beatles Story Museum, LiverpoolThe dead internet theory suggests that mostly bots are interacting onlineThe dead internet theory proposes that bots create most online content. These bots are believed to create social media posts to boost engagement and increase advertising revenue. However, the accounts doing the liking and commenting are also believed to be bots. The theory suggests governments use bots to manipulate public opinion. Live ScienceSome believe Princess Diana's fatal car crash in 1997 was plannedThe tragedy that killed the Princess of Wales; her partner, Dodi Fayed; and their driver, Henri Paul; in Paris has been the subject of popular conspiracies. Diana, known to have a difficult relationship with the royal family, was believed by many to have been the victim of a murder plot. The ConversationPizzagate alleged a neighborhood pizza joint was hosting a sex trafficking schemeDuring the 2016 presidential elections, Comet Ping Pong Pizza became the subject of a conspiracy theory that the Clinton family used the space as a front for kidnapping and trafficking children. The hoax began on the message board 4chan after the public became aware that the shop's owner was a Democratic donor. TIMEThe theory of chemtrails originated from misinterpreting a US Air Force paperThe document proposed a future weather modification system to achieve military objectives, but clarified that such a system "does not reflect current military policy, practice, or capability." Past testing of biological and chemical weapons has accelerated conspiracies about streaks of condensation trailing aircraft to be harmful chemical agents. The ConversationChemtrails are formed from condensing water vapor and soot from jet fuelConspiracy theories about the phenomenon—also known as contrails—began circulating in the 1990s, but have gained significant traction on social media platforms. Chemtrails are more common in high-humidity conditions, where they persist and form cirrus clouds. BBC NewsThe Eye of Providence on $1 bills is a lightning rod for conspiracy theoristsThe symbol is associated with the Freemasons, one of the world’s oldest secret societies. It also appears on churches, Masonic buildings, and the great seal of the United States. BBCExperience what it was like to live during Watergate's unfolding scandalSlate's Slow Burn, hosted by Leon Neyfakh, revisits Watergate through archival audio and interviews, spotlighting overlooked figures, vividly depicting the scandal's slow escalation, and drawing parallels to today's political climate. Slate MagazineMcDonald's intentionally avoids using the word 'milkshake'The restaurant's US menus use an abbreviated term: the simple "shake." Conspiracy theorists suggest this means the chain doesn't use actual milk, but the truth is a bit more complicated and—much to their displeasure—mostly related to dairy regulations. Reader's DigestThe coronavirus pandemic sparked theories about the dangers of 5GCOVID-19 spreading around the same time as the rollout of 5G sparked conspiracy theories and outrage that the new wireless technology was harming people and the environment. (Some users may experience a paywall.) The Atlantic