Why do people spread covid misinformation?

FabioPorkpie

FabioPorkpie

Well-known member
Just came across this article and found it very interesting. Worth a read for anybody who is interested in conspiracy theories, or wonders what the pushers of covid and vaccine misinformation could possibly gain…

www.nytimes.com

The Most Influential Spreader of Coronavirus Misinformation Online (Published 2021)

Researchers and regulators say Joseph Mercola, an osteopathic physician, creates and profits from misleading claims about Covid-19 vaccines.
www.nytimes.com www.nytimes.com
 
I only know one conspiracy theorist. Their life has been full of tragedy, loss and pain. Their conspiracies seem to be like a warm blanket to them, thinking they know all this special stuff that "normals" don't.

I think a lot of these people have been broken a bit by life.
 
fella said:
I only know one conspiracy theorist. Their life has been full of tragedy, loss and pain. Their conspiracies seem to be like a warm blanket to them, thinking they know all this special stuff that "normals" don't.

I think a lot of these people have been broken a bit by life.
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I tend to agree with this for people who are your 'every man' conspiracy theorist. They feel powerless in 'normal' life and so look for gains in obscure ideas and theories and then peddle them because they feel knowledgable and gain that superiority that they have lacked.

I also feel they are the same people drawn to the 'investment' opportunities that are always promoted on social media: digital currencies, the trading of stocks, group property investments. They offer the same sense of power/knowledge but on financial terms and plays perfectly into the modern desire to project perfect, financially successful lives without the daily grind or hard work.
Some people I went to school with definitely fall into both camps. For me, it is always a sign of poor education and a lack of abilty to analyse and synthesise information.

For the leaders and promoters of conspiracy theories, I think they are egostistical and master manipulators who look to exploit any opportunity to generate income and wealth for themselves.
 
Knowledge is power; those that feel they have better information and access to it feel more powerful. Sometimes they will be wrong with their information, as with covid misinformation and sometimes they will be right, but it boils down to ego. The woman we had a thread about yesterday is a prime example, pure self promotion. We even have our own one on the board, albeit a different topic, but the motivation is the same: I'm better than you because I know more
 
General consensus in the corridors of power on all sides of the house is the people against the Vaccine are those with a financial interest in people not having it. And the stupid.

So if you're an anti vaxxer and you ain't earning out of it........
 
Sure I read somewhere the other day that something like 95% of all covid-19 related misinformation can be traced back to 12 individuals.

Considering the amount I see knocking around social media that is absolutely mind blowing.

One of the main players is from the Kennedy family as well.
 
It's basically people who know deep down how mundane and vanilla they are, desperately trying to stand out from the crowd and be noticed for something for the first time in their lives. That, coupled with them being thicker than a decades supply of mince.
 
fella said:
I think a lot of these people have been broken a bit by life.
Click to expand...
I'd tend to agree. I know someone who was quite high status and admired in his profession (don't want to identify him, he works in the north east arts scene). His marriage went about 4-5 years ago and he just seemed to go to pieces. I know him and his ex-wife quite well but his slide into the world of anti-vax and flat earth theories has been really shocking to witness.
 
HarryVegas said:
I'd tend to agree. I know someone who was quite high status and admired in his profession (don't want to identify him, he works in the north east arts scene). His marriage went about 4-5 years ago and he just seemed to go to pieces. I know him and his ex-wife quite well but his slide into the world of anti-vax and flat earth theories has been really shocking to witness.
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Plenty of clues to his identity there Harry👍
Leave it with me and I'll get back to you.
 
If Western society is polarised, and crippled by internal societal friction and unrest, other societies benefit politically and financially. Divide and rule is exactly their policy and it's worked up to now.

They had a hand in Trump, Brexit, BLM, Boris and Covid. They cultivate extremist opinion on both sides of these arguments to foster outrage and reaction. It's huge business.

www.theguardian.com

Russian agency created fake leftwing news outlet with fictional editors, Facebook says

Internet Research Agency also hired real, unwitting freelance reporters in operation Facebook has removed
www.theguardian.com www.theguardian.com
 
Hap said:
If Western society is polarised, and crippled by internal societal friction and unrest, other societies benefit politically and financially. Divide and rule is exactly their policy and it's worked up to now.

They had a hand in Trump, Brexit, BLM, Boris and Covid. They cultivate extremist opinion on both sides of these arguments to foster outrage and reaction. It's huge business.

www.theguardian.com

Russian agency created fake leftwing news outlet with fictional editors, Facebook says

Internet Research Agency also hired real, unwitting freelance reporters in operation Facebook has removed
www.theguardian.com www.theguardian.com
Click to expand...
Careful, @Randy will be popping up soon with his photo of Putin wrestling a bear.
 
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