MRP/Dissertation Hon. Mention: Exploring the COVID Conspiracy Landscape: Themes and Discourses on MeWe

SOCI 4000, Honours Thesis. CD: Michael Nijhawan.

Abstract

This timely and exploratory study on conspiracy theories gives readers a window onto the fixed mindset of conspiracy thinking and its implications in our contemporary Covid-19 moment. 

The paper not only traces the effects of the spread of dis-information in online platforms, but also explores and exposes the social, political, ideological factors that engender public belief in conspiracy theories. Through the lens of well-compiled scholarly research and selective sampling of posts collected by the author, the reader gets a clear view of the anxieties and susceptibilities of a public mindset that emerges and develops from beliefs that stem from collective feelings of isolation, beliefs that individual rights and freedoms have been violated. Moreover, what makes this study particularly new are the insights the author adds to the conversation to address not only the social motives that contribute to conspiracy thinking, but how emotions play a role as well.  

The paper offers a clear take-away for readers with insightful suggestions that call not only for collective action and government intervention, but it also speaks to the importance of creating open and critical dialogue across online platforms to educate and empower individuals and to establish a more critically engaged and participatory democracy.