The 3Cs of Misinformation Circulation: Conspiracists, Contrarians, and the Credulous
In Part 5 of The Parrhesia Diaries ‘Let’s Make Sense Project’ series of blogs, we will consider how, in this digital age, the rapid spread of information is paralleled by an increase in misinformation permeating society. This blog contends that three interconnected social actors lie at the heart of this issue: Conspiracists, Contrarians, and the Credulous. Collectively referred to as ‘The 3Cs of Misinformation Circulation’ by the author, they play central roles in (mis)shaping the information landscape. Let’s look at the motivations, psychological profiles, and social impacts of these groups while offering some insights into their influence on the dissemination and reception of misinformation.
Conspiracists
Conspiracists are not mere sceptics but the architects of alternative realities that challenge established truths. They operate on the fringes of evidence, often weaving complex stories from threads of uncertainty and fear. Their seductive narratives offer simpler, albeit flawed, explanations for complex events. This seduction is rooted in the human predisposition towards story-telling and pattern recognition, which, in the case of Conspiracists, is often misled by cognitive biases and a distrust of authority.
