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 tin foil 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.
While 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.
Historians debunk four famous Bigfoot sighting claims, with locals living near forested areas claiming to have been visited by the hairy, mythical creature. One family in 1978 claimed to see Bigfoot, until further investigation revealed they potentially even killed their pet German Shepherd for the hoax.
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.
Since opening in 1995, the country's largest airport has spurred a variety of conspiracy theories. Some believe the runways form a hate symbol, while others believe its giant horse statue is cursed.
Some 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.
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.
Hear 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.
In 2003, philosopher Nick Bostrom published a paper in a journal arguing the technological possibility that humanity is living in a simulation. The argument, while popularly mocked (or cheered), is presented seriously in the paper. This podcast episode explores the contours of the arguments in an accessible way.
Some believe JFK's assassination was orchestrated by larger networks rather than a lone gunman. 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 dead internet theory proposes 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.