Myths about the corona virus are spreading furiously on the Internet. An expert explains why and what that has to do with anti-Semitism – and he gives practical tips.
Photo: Silvia Gralla
Forced vaccinations, microchips and dark powers: numerous crude conspiracy theories are circulating in the corona pandemic. Professor Markus Appel is an expert on this topic. The 47-year-old heads the Chair for Communication Psychology and New Media at the University of Würzburg and is the editor of the book “The Psychology of Post-Factual: About Fake News, Lies Press, Clickbait & Co.” In the interview, he explains why conspiracy theories are spreading so quickly right now and how to deal with people in your circle of friends who confront you with such theses.
Photo: Balsereit
–Question: Mr. Appel, “conspiracy theories” are omnipresent. The term almost sounds scientific. Isn’t that misleading?
Markus Appel: Contrary to rumors, conspiracy theories consist not only of a statement, but of a network of assumptions. You should explain something. And they are characterized by the fact that there is always a dark force in the background. It is not just the claim that Corona is actually harmless. Conspiracy theorists also want to explain why the media and politicians say the virus is dangerous. That is why the term is not so misleading – after all, a theory can also be wrong. On the other hand, one can criticize that this designation ennobles the content of such claims. One would think that there is something with substance behind it. But that is often not the case. For this reason, conspiracy myths are also used as a synonym.
When we speak of “dark powers” operating in the background, aren’t we often referring to “the Jews” implicitly?
Appel: That’s exactly how I would see it. There are also individual varieties of conspiracy theories that do not end in anti-Semitism – but often that is the case. Well poisoning and stabbing legend: Ultimately, the supposed explanation was that the Jews were to blame. It started with the pogroms in the Middle Ages and ended in the Holocaust. Such theories always contribute to an anti-Semitic mood. And that some conspiracy theorists aren’t even more explicit is only due to German history. Right-wing radicals know this and use codes. However, their hostility to the Jews is not well veiled.
Why are conspiracy theories spreading so rapidly?
Appel: We live in a time when there is great uncertainty – including among scientists. People wonder where this virus comes from and how long this situation will last. But they are also afraid of personal consequences, for example losing their job. This complex and uncomfortable situation can be easily clarified if you believe in conspiracy theories. They also offer quick solutions, such as arresting Bill Gates. This supposedly eliminates one’s own impotence. And that in turn motivates them to see established media much more critically and to overlook disagreements in their own worldview.
“Such theories always contribute to an anti-Semitic mood.”
Markus Appel, communication psychologist–Is the pandemic different from other crises in terms of conspiracy theories?
Appel: It is a massive exceptional situation. Let us think of the September 11 attacks. This shook our western society a lot. And today conspiracy theorists still ask, “Who really orchestrated that?” But if that was a shake, the Corona period is turning us upside down. This surpasses every crisis that many have ever experienced. Half a year ago, nobody would have expected us to need a face mask to go to the supermarket. The extent of the conspiracy theories increases the stronger the upheaval.
How does it make sense to deal with people who spread conspiracy theories?
Appel: It depends on how strongly the other person believes in such a theory. There are a number of reasons why someone might share a video or article with you. There are those who feel insecure who just want to know what their friends and families think about it. And then there are others who are already very stuck. In any case, I would choose a respectful tone. If you are hostile to someone, the only result is that they will not listen and may prefer to stay in circles where you get pat on the shoulder for such postings. But you shouldn’t ignore that either. Because that can be understood as the implicit approval of the silent majority – even if it actually says: “Leave me alone with this nonsense.” Especially when such theories are shared in a Whats app group, it makes sense to refer to serious information and fact checks. Because there are several people who may be interested in the background.
Right, left, esoteric and Catholic clergy: Apparently, such myths are well received in many camps. Is there a common denominator?
Appel: Conspiracy theorists are certainly a heterogeneous group, and some also come from the left spectrum. But from a scientific perspective, the vast majority can actually be found in the right-wing ethnic camp. Many studies show that it is more the people on the political right who share fake news on social media. There is a lot of skepticism about science and the media. And this goes hand in hand with a critical stance on corona policy. They see themselves as counter-public. There is an older concept in psychology called tolerance of ambiguity. People differ in how much they are able to endure unclear situations and complexity. Those who have a low tolerance threshold for such ambiguities are looking for simple solutions. This is possibly a connecting element of right-wing radicals and opponents of vaccination.
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