Deeper Down the Rabbit Hole: How Technology Conspiracy Beliefs Emerge and Foster a Conspiracy Mindset

• DOI: 10.1287/isre.2022.0494
• Publication Date: 2024-07-02T15:28:27Z
• Authors: Simon Trang; Tobias Kraemer; Manuel Trenz; Welf H. Weiger
• Keywords: Mindset; Rabbit (cipher)

Conspiracy theories are increasingly emerging as a threat to contemporary society. Prior research highlights the crucial role that information technology (IT) plays in accelerating spread of these theories. However, mass media coverage suggests IT extends beyond mere dissemination conspiracy often target itself. In this research, we explore prevalence beliefs—specifically, beliefs technology-related theories, factors promoting beliefs, and their consequences. Our findings reveal widespread, affecting popular commercial technologies, such Amazon Echo Google Search Engine, well public technologies designed for societal well-being, contact tracing apps. Moreover, demonstrate across four empirical studies reinforce mindset. This mindset is associated with breakdown social collaboration, constructive political discourse, society’s ability respond crises. Given impede adoption beneficial foster harmful mindset, they should be primary concern designers, managers, policymakers. By identifying perceptions its provider promote provide initial insights into ways mitigate emergence.