You've probably encountered a conspiracy theory online or in conversation, and maybe even wondered why some people believe them so strongly. We'll explore what makes these theories so compelling, how they spread, and the surprising real-world impacts they can have, even on respected institutions like Caltech.
Conspiracy theories are trending because their impact is increasingly visible, even affecting scientific institutions and public trust.
Recent discussions, including those involving Caltech, highlight how these theories can target respected scientists and research, eroding confidence in established facts and expert consensus, especially in areas like public health or climate science.