Conspiracy believers have lower educational levels

A study by the University of Basel suggests those who believe conspiracy theories about the coronavirus are often younger, hold more extreme political views and have a low level of education.

The study examined 1,600 German speakers in Switzerland and Germany. The results have been published in the magazine, ‘Psychological Medicine’. 

The participants were given a list of 49 theories – such as the virus is a biological weapon built by the Chinese or the lockdowns are a deliberate mass surveillance operation. 

10% of the respondents agreed with at least one of the theories. 

But the study did show not all who agreed with the theories fell into the same bracket – so the researchers urge caution about jumping to conclusions regarding those who believe some of the stories. 


 

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