By Mattie Knight
Conspiracy theories have been part and parcel of our daily lives for a long time. Everybody has heard of at least a version of speculation surrounding one or more contentious issues or piece of news. The effects of these theories is not in the spin offs themselves but in the effects that they cause to the social fabric globally. They tend to be more disruptive than most people give them credit. This trend has lead to widespread paranoia. To counter these harmful effects we need
conspiracy theory parodies in our lives.
Recent research has discovered that these theories have a bad negative effect on the social behavior of people. It has been revealed that persons exposed to various speculation and conspiracy spin offs react negatively to certain related projects and activities. For example, those suspicious of the government tend not to be involved in politics and do not vote. The same applies to those exposed to climate change or vaccination conspiracies, as they tend to shun any related initiatives.
These theories are dangerously subversive. They undermine the confidence of people in established positions and projects that are geared towards helping people. The populace becomes highly suspicious of the government and all its projects. Once the conjecture start and spread through rumors, it undermines most of the efforts of the government. Peoples start believing in hidden agendas and selfish interests and end up losing confidence in the government.
These speculations, more often than not, leave people feeling hopeless and powerless to change their situations. This leads to decreased social engagements because everybody is suspicious of everyone. People tend to believe that their fate is in the control of a select few powerful elite. These persons are believed to have thought out everything and enjoy absolute control. Evidence shows that these theories influence people without their knowledge.
Conspiracies can result in the conception of crooked governments and administrative institutions. Perhaps the most infamous case in point is the Nazi regime that spread propaganda that the Jews were secretly extending their world influence and eventual rule. This resulted in widespread detestation and disgust in parts of Europe claiming the lives of millions of innocent Jews in the holocaust.
It is the same conspiracy theories that led some western governments spread speculation that terrorist networks and sleeper cells were a real threat to humanity and the modern way of life. This lay the foundations of a fascist rule and tightening of security procedures both locally and globally. In effect, it has given rise to a system that discriminates against race and certain religions.
Unfortunately, conspiracies have resulted in extensive global expenditure on the military and securing of arms. These weapons of mass destruction are because of suspicion between states. The world lives in constant fear of another world war inclusive of nuclear power. Sadly, most of these weapons find their way to the black market where they are sold to terrorists.
Conspiracy theories have caused tension among states. They are at the center of most social and political debates globally. They tend to start needless arguments instead of mature talks. Hence the importance of more parodies in the world.