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Why Smart People Fall for Conspiracy Theories

How to Avoid the Trap

We all know smart people who believe crazy things they read on the internet. But why do they believe conspiracy theories, and how can we prevent falling for them?

We all know smart people who believe crazy things they read on the internet. But why do they believe conspiracy theories, and how can we prevent falling for them?  

Join us from 5 to 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 9, to examine factors that allow conspiratorial thinking to take hold and flourish. In this free, 1.5-hour online workshop sponsored by The Montclair Public Library, we will examine:  

·         How conspiracy theories work, and why so they are so common.

·         Why smart people can believe them, and how they meet our psychological needs– especially during COVID-19.

·         How our cognitive biases support beliefs in conspiracy theories.

·         How online and social media algorithms help conspiracy theories flourish.  

·         Conspiracy theory characteristics and red flags.

·         Skills to identify, verify and avoid the traps of this type of misinformation.

This will be a hands-on class so have a computer close by so you can practice skills as we learn. Also, digital handouts will be provided before class via email.

The workshop will be taught by Theresa Walsh Giarrusso, a journalist and former journalism professor at Arizona State University’s Walter Cronkite School of Journalism. A Montclair resident, Giarrusso worked with the Montclair School District on a year-long MFEE-sponsored News and Social Media pilot project. She has worked with teachers around New Jersey on these skills. Giarrusso also taught digital literacy classes through the Montclair Institute for Lifelong Learning. Giarrusso’s news and digital literacy strategies have been featured on CNN.com.

This is a free event, but you must register to attend. All are welcome to attend. Sign up here

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