On Thursday, October 24, Dr. Adam Enders joined members of the Illinois State community to discuss his research on conspiracy theories. Striking a hopeful tone, Enders argued that belief in conspiracy theories has not grown with the use of social media. Arguing against a common assumption, Enders’ surveys showed that over time (pre- and post-social media) the number of people who believe in conspiracy theories remains relatively stable. This is likely because people seek out information that confirms the beliefs they currently hold and are dismissive of information that does not align with these views. However, one change we have seen recently in American politics is the adoption of conspiratorial thinking by political elites from whom members of the public take cues in forming their own opinions.
This talk was part of the Democracy in Focus: the 2024 Election series and was sponsored by the Departments of Politics and Government, Psychology, and the School of Communications. This event was also sponsored by the Harold K. Sage Foundation and the Illinois State University Foundation Fund. Please join us for the final installment in this series on Wednesday, October 30, at 7 p.m., in the Prairie Room inside the Bone Student Center. For more information on this and all other election-related events, see the Center for Civic Engagement’s election events calendar here.
