6 Elements Every Conspiracy Theory Needs

Now this certainly looks useful for teaching information literacy and credulity.

And, besides, it’s just fun.

6 Elements Every Conspiracy Theory Needs

Here are the six elements:

First, choose an Event
1. Appeal to precedent
2. Ruling elite
3. Disturbing question
4. Dedicated group of truth-seekers
5. Expert endorsement
6. Suggestion of imminent threat

And use it thusly:

“Are you kidding me? [ event ] was a total sham! Think about it! Everyone knows that [ appeal to precedent ]. And have you noticed that [ ruling elite ] has started to act very strangely? They obviously don’t want this story getting out. I mean, what would happen if people began asking [ disturbing question ]? Well, they may be able to fool the sheeple, but the members of [ dedicated group of truth-seekers ] aren’t swallowing their story. Look, don’t take it from me; [ expert endorsement ] is convinced as well. But we have to act fast, because [ suggestion of imminent threat ]. I just wanted you to be aware of this, in case I disappear.”

Use the Wired Conspiracy Generator in the original Wired post.

Just teaching how easy it is to imagine and create a conspiracy theory should make students better evaluators of information.

Stephen