Why We Believe: The Truth Behind Conspiracy Theories
We live in a time when almost every major event — from pandemics to elections — sparks a wave of conspiracy theories.
The internet has given everyone a platform, and with it, the ability to spread ideas faster than ever before.
In the Things Visible and Invisible episode featuring skeptic Mick West, the discussion dives into why conspiracy theories have exploded, how they evolve, and what they say about our collective relationship with truth.
From Fringe to Mainstream
Mick West explains that we’re no longer dealing with isolated groups of conspiracy believers.
Instead, conspiracy thinking has become a cultural force — a way many people interpret the world.
Two major shifts made this possible:
The Internet and Social Media
Traditional journalism lost public trust.
Online communities filled the gap, but often without fact‑checking.
Algorithms reward engagement, not accuracy — amplifying sensational claims.
Politics and Populism
Movements like Trumpism normalized conspiracy language (“deep state,” “fake news”).
Once fringe ideas entered mainstream discourse, skepticism and paranoia merged.
Real Conspiracies vs. Conspiracy Theories
Mick West emphasizes an important distinction:
Real conspiracies are proven cases of secret coordination (e.g., Watergate, Iran‑Contra).
Conspiracy theories are unproven hypotheses that assume hidden motives without verifiable evidence.
The danger arises when people treat the second as proof of the first — blurring the line between legitimate investigation and speculation.
Did the CIA Invent the Term “Conspiracy Theory”?
One of the most persistent beliefs online is that the CIA coined the term “conspiracy theory” to silence critics after the JFK assassination.
Mick West debunks this myth:
The phrase existed long before 1963.
A 1967 CIA memo referenced it, but didn’t invent or popularize it.
Linguistic data show no sudden increase in usage after the memo.
The conclusion: the CIA didn’t create the term — it simply became more widely used as conspiracy culture grew.
Secrecy Fuels Suspicion
The host points out that government secrecy often backfires.
For example, the U.S. still hasn’t released all JFK assassination files — a decision that only feeds public doubt.
Mick notes that intelligence agencies tend to over‑classify information, and this habit creates the very suspicion they fear.
The same pattern appears in other topics — from UFOs to pandemic origins — where secrecy breeds speculation.
When “Conspiracy Theory” Became a Slur
Originally, “conspiracy theory” was a neutral description.
But over time, as more false claims spread online, it became a dismissive label — a way to discredit anyone who questions authority.
Mick argues that even if we replaced the phrase with something else, the stigma would remain.
The problem isn’t the term — it’s how we use it to shut down uncomfortable discussions.
The Internet’s Role in the Misinformation Crisis
Social media has turned information into a popularity contest.
Algorithms favor outrage, emotion, and simplicity — not nuance or truth.
This creates:
Echo chambers, where people only hear what confirms their beliefs.
Viral misinformation, often spread faster than corrections.
Distrust in experts, as authority itself becomes politicized.
In this environment, conspiracy theories thrive — not because people are irrational, but because they’re searching for meaning in chaos.
Key Lessons from the Conversation
Conspiracies exist, but extraordinary claims require extraordinary evidence.
Distrust in institutions is understandable — but blind skepticism can be just as dangerous as blind faith.
Transparency is the best antidote to conspiracy thinking.
Critical thinking — not cynicism — is the modern survival skill.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Did the CIA invent the term “conspiracy theory”?
No. The term existed before the 1960s. The CIA referenced it in a memo but did not coin or popularize it.
2. Are any conspiracy theories true?
Yes — some real conspiracies have been proven (e.g., Watergate). The challenge is separating evidence‑based cases from speculation.
3. Why do people believe in conspiracy theories?
Because they offer simple explanations for complex events and give people a sense of control in uncertain times.
4. How does social media spread conspiracy theories?
Algorithms prioritize engagement, so emotional or shocking content spreads faster than factual corrections.
5. How can we protect ourselves from misinformation?
By verifying sources, questioning emotional reactions, and distinguishing between skepticism and cynicism.
Conclusion: The Fight for Reality
We live in an era where truth competes with narrative — and attention is the most valuable currency.
Conspiracy theories thrive not just because people are gullible, but because institutions have failed to earn trust.
The solution isn’t to silence skeptics, but to rebuild credibility through honesty, transparency, and open dialogue.
As Mick West reminds us:
“Question everything — but demand evidence before you believe anything.”
📕 Guest: Mick West
Mick is a science writer, skeptic, and investigator dedicated to debunking conspiracy theories and explaining unusual phenomena. Formerly a video game programmer, he runs Metabunk.org, a popular site focused on polite, evidence-based investigation of UFOs, chemtrails, and other mysteries.
🌍 Websites:
👍 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Metabunk
▶️ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/MickWest
🐦 X / Twitter: https://x.com/MickWest
