At the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, I found myself tuning into a podcast featuring a doctor who was sharing insights on navigating this unprecedented health crisis. It was late March, a time when our understanding of the virus was still evolving. One salient point he made was the inevitable rise of conspiracy theories, which he predicted would exacerbate our collective anxiety and fear.
Fast forward to today, and he couldn’t have been more right. With just a few clicks on your phone or computer, you’ll find a plethora of conspiracy theories flooding the internet, and it’s truly unsettling. According to a report by Time, misinformation about the coronavirus is spreading at a concerning pace alongside the virus itself. A prime example is the viral documentary clip “Plandemic,” where discredited scientist Dr. Sammy Greene claimed vaccines weaken immune systems, making individuals more vulnerable to illnesses like COVID-19. Despite being removed from platforms like YouTube and Facebook, the damage of such misinformation has already been done.
You might have encountered similar theories. I’ve received messages from acquaintances asserting that tech mogul Bill Gates is orchestrating the pandemic and that upcoming COVID-19 vaccines will include microchips aimed at tracking citizens. (Seriously?) There are also narratives suggesting that COVID-19 was engineered in a laboratory or that it’s somehow linked to 5G technology, even in countries without 5G networks.
What many fail to grasp is how triggering these conspiracy theories can be. Everyone is coping with their own challenges—balancing remote work, parenting, stress, and sleepless nights. The human brain has its limits, and when someone sends me a text claiming COVID-19 is a hoax or linked to genetically modified organisms, it sends my mind spiraling into a darker place. It’s not because I fear these unfounded theories hold any truth, but rather the realization that people genuinely believe such things. These individuals are often the same ones disregarding public health guidelines, wandering about without masks as if there’s no pandemic.
I’ve had to draw boundaries with certain friends, requesting they refrain from sharing their conspiracy theories with me. This rhetoric is detrimental to my mental well-being, and no amount of certainty in their beliefs will change that. As Dr. Emily Carter points out, “Conspiracy theories often fill in gaps left by science, offering a sense of control to those who feel frightened and isolated.”
Social media is undoubtedly the breeding ground for these theories, but we all know someone who insists they have the inside scoop on the virus, despite their questionable grasp of biology. They might share dubious information that contradicts the facts presented by qualified experts, thereby contributing to the spread of misinformation.
So, here’s my plea: keep your conspiracy theories to yourself. If you want to believe that the death toll is exaggerated or that “car accidents claim more lives than COVID-19,” that’s your prerogative. But please don’t impose these ideas on others. Our focus should be on preserving lives and maintaining our mental health. While these theories may grant you a false sense of control, sharing them indiscriminately only adds to the collective distress.
For those feeling overwhelmed by confusion and fear (and let’s face it, we all are to some extent), I recommend consulting credible sources such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Health and Human Services (HHS) for accurate information. These organizations are where scientific and medical professionals share their findings.
You’re entitled to your own beliefs, but if you’re presenting conspiracy theories as if they are backed by factual data, you’re contributing to the problem. Unless you can substantiate your claims with reputable evidence, it’s best to step back, keep quiet, and consider a different hobby.
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In summary, while conspiracy theories may seem like a way to regain control during chaotic times, they ultimately do more harm than good. We should prioritize our mental health and rely on credible sources for information, steering clear of unverified claims that only add to our anxiety.