In this episode of Australia, Explained, we break down conspiracy theories: what they are, why people believe in them and how they’re affecting Australians right now.

Bits and pieces mentioned:

The political compass

The far-right in Australia

Dr Karen Douglas on why people believe in conspiracies

Social media as an “echo chamber”

Sky News banned from YouTube

The Dunning-Kruger effect

QAnon in Australia

This week, Tania recommended an ABC Four Corners investigative report about Tim Stewart, a head figure of QAnon in Australia and close friend of Prime Minister Scott Morrison. Vanessa recommended a podcast by the New York Times called Rabbit Hole (Apple Podcasts, Spotify) that explores the effects of the internet in feeding conspiracy theories to its audiences.

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