Build a conspiracy theory from scratch.
The best way to learn to spot a conspiracy theory is to make one yourself.
Pick a real news story. On the next step you'll choose who's behind it and why. Then walk through the four moves real conspiracists use, with a debunk on every step.
- Hunt anomalies — turn coincidence into evidence of a secret plot.
- Fabricate connections — draw lines between unrelated dots until they look meaningful.
- Dismiss counter-evidence — if a fact disagrees, make the fact part of the cover-up.
- Discredit the critics — dismiss people who point out flaws in your theory.
Pick the event.
Choose whichever real-feeling headline your imagination will run wildest with. Don't overthink it.
Exercise Prevents Heart Rhythm Disorder
Researchers studying more than 15,000 people report that higher physical fitness is linked to a lower chance of developing atrial fibrillation, an irregular heartbeat that raises the risk of stroke fivefold. The study, presented at the ESC Congress 2023, used treadmill exercise tests to estimate fitness in metabolic equivalents (METs) and followed participants over time to see who developed heart rhythm problems or strokes.
Global Views on American Cultural Influence
A YouGov survey carried out in nine countries across Europe, Australia and Singapore measured public views on American cultural influence. The study found that most people recognize U.S. impact in entertainment: 66% to 89% of respondents said American movies, television and music shape their local culture. Roughly half also reported significant American influence in news media, national political norms, everyday language and consumer brands, showing that perceptions extend beyond entertainment.
Meta seeks EU consent for ads
Meta, the company that owns Facebook and Instagram, says it will start asking users in the European Union for permission to show personalized advertising. The move follows regulatory rulings that challenged Meta’s data-collection methods for targeted ads. Rather than relying on a “legitimate interest” justification, Meta has conceded it must obtain explicit consent under EU data-protection rules before using people’s personal data to tailor ads on its platforms.
Fixing the British Museum's Anachronism
The British Museum is dealing with a major internal crisis after allegations that a senior curator removed and sold roughly 2,000 items from its collection via eBay. Reports say the revelations prompted the museum director to resign and have led to calls for an independent review. The case has drawn attention to weaknesses in oversight and controls at one of the world’s largest museums, raising questions about how objects are tracked and safeguarded.