Category: Conspiracy Theories

Why Democrats’ Version of ‘Stop the Steal’ Isn’t Taking Off

A movement by some Democratic voters to investigate the results of the 2024 presidential election mirrors a push by Republicans in 2020. But it’s struggling.
Drop-Off in Democratic Votes Ignites Conspiracy Theories on Left and Right

There is nothing suspicious about the shift in Democratic fortunes. But partisans from across the spectrum are questioning the results, for different reasons.
After Trump Took the Lead, Election Deniers Went Suddenly Silent

Trump supporters spent years fomenting concern about election integrity. On Tuesday, they set it all aside.
This Group Refuses to Stop Tracking Disinformation

Though a larger coalition of fact checkers has disbanded, a team of students and researchers at the University of Washington in Seattle is still working to document how lies online threaten to undermine this year’s presidential race.
Fact Checking False Voter Fraud Claims About Votes Exceeding Eligible Voters

The number of votes cast in presidential elections has always been less than the number of eligible voters.
No, poll workers aren’t handing out Sharpies to invalidate ballots.

The writing utensils figured prominently in conspiracy theories in previous elections. But they’re often fine to use on paper ballots.
John F. Kennedy Jr.’s 1990s-era Magazine Is Back, With a QAnon Twist

It is a reanimation story strange enough for a zombie movie, made possible by the fact that the original George trademark lapsed, only to be secured by a conservative lawyer.
Hurricane Recovery Efforts Disrupted by Conspiracy Theories and Falsehoods

Experts warn that weather-related disinformation can rapidly escalate into real-world risks and distract from aid.
Elon Musk’s Week on X: Deepfakes, Falsehoods and Lots of Memes

Almost a third of 171 posts last week from the X owner were false, misleading or missing vital context.
How Meta Distanced Itself From Politics

Ahead of November’s election, Meta has de-emphasized political content on Facebook, Instagram and Threads and doesn’t want to talk about candidates or campaigns.
This Chatbot Pulls People Away From Conspiracy Theories

In a new study, many people doubted or abandoned false beliefs after a short conversation with the DebunkBot.
Elections Officials Battle a Deluge of Disinformation

County clerks and secretaries of state are overwhelmed this year, as they stare down a “perpetual moving target” of new conspiracy theories, political pressure and threats.