Thanks to an unintended push from @normative, I've posted my thoughts on @zeynep's NYT op-ed on conspiracy theories.http://reason.com/blog/2016/09/13/dont-blame-the-internet-for-conspiracy-r …
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Replying to @notjessewalker @normative
I don't think I disagree with much there. Never said it begin with, or is only driven by, internet. But it adds.
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Replying to @zeynep @normative
I'm not sure it even adds, on net. It's an open question.
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There are credible reasons to think conspiracy theories were more common at past moments. Though it's obv hard to measure
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Replying to @notjessewalker @normative
Did we ever have a major conspiracy theorists of this degree as a presidential candidate?
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Replying to @zeynep @normative
Trump is sui generis in a bunch of ways, but when it comes to this stuff his biggest difference is his shamelessness.
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Replying to @notjessewalker @zeynep
Lots of major politicians have bought into dubious conspiracy theories, from JQ Adams to LBJ. But most don't cite the Natl Enquirer.
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Replying to @notjessewalker
I don't think we ever had a candidate who ran on the primaries *as a conspiracist* and won as a conspiracist?
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Replying to @zeynep
It is unusual for Trump to be so blunt about it, and also for it to be coming from the candidate's own mouth.
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I don't think it's ever been this easy to find fellow conspiracists (or fellow anyone); I think that's on the internet.
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Replying to @zeynep @notjessewalker
All sorts of subcultures are flourishing, and this is particularly significant for more marginal, shunned ones.
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Replying to @zeynep
Definitely true. But there's a distinction between the conspiracy subculture (fairly new) & conspiracy theorizing (old & widespread)
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