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What role do conspiracy theories play during times of national crisis?
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conspiracy theory
U.S. Pres. John F. Kennedy and first lady Jacqueline Kennedy minutes before the president was assassinated in Dallas, November 22, 1963.
Conspiracy theories tend to increase during times of national crisis, such as wars, economic depressions, or after tragic events like assassinations or natural disasters. These theories offer explanations for harmful or tragic events by attributing them to the secret actions of a small, powerful group, rejecting the commonly accepted narrative. This can lead to increased suspicion and uncertainty, and sometimes even a reduced interest in political participation due to distrust of those in power. The spread of conspiracy theories has been amplified by the internet and AI-generated media like deepfakes.12