Joe Uscinski (University of Miami)

The Dynamics of Conspiracy Theories in America

Abstract: The election of Donald Trump, as well as the aftermath of his presidency, led many to speculate that we are now living in a “Post-Truth” world, a world in which our information environments are polluted with conspiracy theories, and in which facts no longer matter. While this narrative has helped make sense of the tumultuous politics in America, the evidence in its favor has been less than systematic. In this talk, Professor Uscinski will showcase more than 60 years’ worth of survey data measuring the public’s beliefs in conspiracy theories in the US and EU. He will detail what has changed over time and what has not. Are we living in the “golden age” of conspiracy theorizing? What influence do conspiracy theories on social media have on the public’s behavior? Who is to blame for conspiracy theory-induced violence? In providing surprising answers to these questions, Uscinski will discuss the role of the social media, traditional media, and politicians in affecting the public’s beliefs.