Researchers from the University of Queensland have begun a new study that will allow us to understand how conspiracy theories and anti-vaccine-like beliefs may stand in the way of civilization.
Wind farms have long been the focus of conspiracy theories. These theories turn a simple machine spinning in the wind into a public health hazard that supposedly causes birth defects, cancer, and more. Despite the lack of evidence, these claims are still supported and exposed in the hands of opponents of renewable energy and politicians like Donald Trump.
The review focused on a pre-recorded preliminary study with a pooled sample size of 4,170 people. Each subject provided data on their age, gender, education, and political orientation, as well as their belief in various conspiracy theories.
The study says there is a strong link between conspiracy theories and opposition to wind farms. In other words, those who oppose have no logical reasons other than conspiracy theories. Interestingly, some theories cause people to rally around reasons put forward by the authorities.
Researchers also touch on how this problem can be overcome. It is said that governments should regularly share positive information to combat this opposition, rather than argue and try to prove conspiracy theorists wrong.
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