Conspiracy 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.
Hours of research by our editors, distilled into minutes of clarity.
Some 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.
The 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 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.
During 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.
Peter 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.
The 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.
New 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.
The "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.
Users took note of many Wayfair furniture items with girls' names being sold for high prices. A well-known QAnon activist helped spread the conspiracy more widely during a time of heightened distrust in institutions as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The theory was proven to be untrue.
The 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.