Question Everything with Brian Reed

From the Fringe Web to Real Life: How Seriously Should We Be Taking Conspiracy Theories?

May 8, 2025
Welton Chang, creator of Pyrra Technologies and former army intelligence officer, dives into the murky waters of online conspiracy theories. He reveals alarming trends in violent rhetoric and how these narratives can jump from fringe forums to real-world impact. Chang discusses troubling events like power outages attributed to cyber attacks, and the psychological effects of trauma that contribute to conspiratorial thinking. His insights highlight the urgent need to understand and counteract these emerging threats to society.
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ANECDOTE

Power Outage Sparks Cyber Attack Theories

  • The power outage in Spain and Portugal sparked many theories online claiming it was a cyber attack.
  • Users distrust official accounts and fill in gaps with conspiracy despite faulty logic.
ANECDOTE

Virginia Giuffre Death Sparks Conspiracies

  • Virginia Giuffre's death triggered online conspiracies doubting her suicide.
  • Many believe she was silenced due to her outspoken advocacy against Epstein's abuse network.
INSIGHT

Conspiracies Overlook Trauma Realities

  • Conspiracy theories around Virginia Giuffre's death ignore the psychological impact of trauma.
  • People prefer conspiracies over understanding real emotional struggles survivors face.
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