The Social Chemist

Send us Fan MailOn today's episode, Ph.D. candidate and librarian Bradley Wiles talks about how conspiracy theories have forced the librarian profession to rethink its code of ethics regarding political propaganda and disinformation. We also touch upon whether media information literacy effectively pulls people out of the rabbit hole. FacebookThe Social Chemist | FacebookInstagramThe Social Chemist (@socialchemistig) • Instagram photos and videosBradley Wiles Scholarly JournalsRe-thinking Information Ethics: Truth, Conspiracy Theories, and Librarians in the COVID-19 Era (degruyter.com)

Send us Fan MailOne of the most prominent conspiracy theories in ancient and contemporary society is that of antisemitism (hatred of  Jews). In recent times influential political pundits such as Nick Fuentes and pop artist, Kanye West have promoted conspiracy theories targeting the Jewish community. Such rhetoric brings much concern among historians and researchers of conspiracy theories who warn people to stay alert to ideologies that historically led to the extermination of 6 million people. Today's episode covers the history and conspiratorial mindset of antisemitism and how affect, behavior, and cognition influence in-groups perceive out-groups. FacebookThe Social Chemist | FacebookInstagramThe Social Chemist (@socialchemistig) • Instagram photos and videosReferencesWhat is antisemitism? | IHRA (holocaustremembrance.com)Antisemitism | Southern Poverty Law Center (splcenter.org)Matthew 27 KJV - When the morning was come, all the - Bible GatewayAnti-Semitism | History, Facts, & Examples | Britannicablood libel | anti-Semitism | BritannicaHistory of Jewish Money Lending (jewishhistory.org)Nostra Aetate | Glossary | ADLScholarly JournalsThe Psychology of Modern Antisemitism: Theory, Research, and Methodology (degruyter.com)An existential threat model of conspiracy theories. - PsycNET (apa.org)BooksWeb of Lies: How to tell fact from fiction in an online world: Gallagher, Aoife: 9780717195121: Amazon.com: Books

Send us Fan MailOn today's episode, Dr. Benjamin Dow, an academic researcher in the field of conspiratorial ideologies and professor at Southern Methodist University (SMU), joins me to discuss conspiracy theories within politics and whether major left-wing conspiracy theories exist in the 2022 political arena.  More importantly, we examine whether conspiracy theories can lead to political extremism and encapsulated psychosis. FacebookThe Social Chemist | FacebookInstagram The Social Chemist (@socialchemistig) • Instagram photos and videosPh.D. Benjamin Dow TwitterBenjamin Dow (@benjaminjdow) / TwitterPh.D. Benjamin Dow journal articles/reports How Did COVID-19 Conspiracy Theories Get So Out of Control? (northwestern.edu)Support for leaders who use conspiratorial rhetoric: The role of personal control and political identity - ScienceDirectThe COVID‐19 pandemic and the search for structure: Social media and conspiracy theories - PMC (nih.gov)Sense of control and conspiracy perceptions: Generative directions on a well-worn path - ScienceDirectMitigating and managing COVID-19 conspiratorial beliefs (bmj.com)The Social Chemist ReferencesConspiracy Theories: Evolved Functions and Psychological Mechanisms (sagepub.com)The Social Chemist Recommended EpisodesThe Harm of 5G EMF Radiation: Science or Pseudoscience? w/ Tim Sandars: Part 1 (buzzsprout.com)The Harm of 5G EMF Radiation: Science or Pseudoscience? w/ Tim Sandars: Part 2 (buzzsprout.com)

Send us Fan MailOn today's episode, Aoife Gallagher from the Institute for Strategic Dialogue (ISD) and author of Web of Lies: The Lures and Dangers of Conspiracy Theories joins me to discuss her expertise on misinformation and conspiratorial ideologies. In our discussion, we cover her background as a digital researcher, look at what constitutes a conspiracy theorist and theory, and assess whether conspiracy theory addiction should be included in the revision of the Diagnostic Statistic Manual (DSM). FacebookThe Social Chemist | FacebookInstagramThe Social Chemist (@socialchemistig) • Instagram photos and videosAoife Gallagher TwitterAoife Gallagher 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️ (@aoifegall) / TwitterWeb of Lies: Lure and Dangers of Conspiracy TheoriesWeb of Lies: The Lure and Danger of Conspiracy Theories by Aoife Gallagher | eBook | Barnes & Noble® (barnesandnoble.com)Aoife Gallagher Research ReportsThe Genesis of a Conspiracy Theory - ISD (isdglobal.org)Profit and Protest: How Facebook is struggling to enforce limits on ads spreading hate, lies and scams about the Black Lives Matter protests - ISD (isdglobal.org)Other Podcast AppearancesWTS 277: Aoife Gallagher - What's the Story? Podcast | Podcast on SpotifyA concrete issue, Aoife Gallagher and Ye's Abhorrent Behaviour - Catch Up with Louise McSharry | Podcast on SpotifyNews ArticlesConspiracy Theories, Such As QAnon, Appear To Gain Ground In Britain : NPRWeb of Lies: Exploring the murky world of online extremism and misinformation | Business Post

Send us Fan MailRight-wing conspiracy theorist Alex Jones was obligated to pay the family members of the Sandy Hook massacre 965 million dollars after the jury ruled that Jones had abused his influence and enabled radical conspiracists to harrassed and send death threats to people like Robbie Parker, Lenny Pozner, and others. Since that ruling, many in the conspiratorial community have changed their understanding of the Sandy Hook conspiracy theory as not being a false flag operation to take away our Second Amendment (Right to Bare Arms) but the first (Freedom of Speech). In this episode, we listen to Turning Point USA co-founder Charlie Kirk and assess his take on the ruling against Alex Jones and explore why the Sandy Hook conspiracy theory backfired on Jones. FacebookThe Social Chemist | FacebookInstagram The Social Chemist (@socialchemistig) • Instagram photos and videosReferencesAlex Jones Fined 1 Billion Dollars?? With Jack Posobiec - The Charlie Kirk Show | Podcast on SpotifyNews ReportsAlex Jones ordered to pay $965 million for Sandy Hook lies | AP NewsSandy Hook Shooting: Lucy Richards Gets Prison for Threats | TimeA Notorious Sandy Hook Tormentor Is Arrested in Florida - The New York Times (nytimes.com)Sandy Hook Father Awarded $450,000 In Conspiracy Theorist Suit – Rolling StoneZuckerberg clarifies: ‘I personally find Holocaust denial deeply offensive, and I absolutely didn’t intend to defend the intent of people who deny that.’ - VoxOpinion | Alex Jones Picked On the Wrong People - The New York Times (nytimes.com)Book RecommendationSandy Hook: An American Tragedy and the Battle for Truth: Williamson, Elizabeth: 9781524746575: Amazon.com: BooksRecommended Social Chemist EpisodesThe Conspiratorial Mindset Behind Sandy Hook Elementary School (buzzsprout.com)The Transactional Relationship Between Conspiracy Theory Producer & Consumer (buzzsprout.com)Meg SceneThe Meg (2018) - I'm Going to Make It Bleed Scene (10/10) | Movieclips - YouTube

Send us Fan MailFascism is often used by the political left to refer to the political right and vice versa. But what is fascism? What are its characteristics? In this episode, we look at what makes a political ideology fascist and understand the challenges in defining such a term. We address this issue as Italy elects its first female Prime Minister, Giorgina Meloni. A politician regarded as far-right by many in the mainstream media and an individual whose upbringing was influenced by former Italian dictator Benito Mussolini. As we assess her ideology, we will look for the conspiratorial antagonist reference in her speeches and determine whether conspiracy theories are on the rise in Italy's mainstream politics. FacebookThe Social Chemist | FacebookInstagramThe Social Chemist (@socialchemistig) • Instagram photos and videosReferencesfascism | Definition, Meaning, Characteristics, Examples, & History | BritannicaBenito Mussolini | Biography, Definition, Facts, Rise, & Death | BritannicaScepticism over Giorgia Meloni's claim' fascism is history' in Italian far right | Italy | The GuardianThat Giorgia Meloni speech captivating the U.S. right doesn't make sense - The Washington PostThe Return of Fascism in Italy - The AtlanticProject MUSE - How Autocrats Weaponize Women's Rights (jhu.edu)YouTube videosFascism Explained - YouTubePodcastsThe Ben Shapiro Show: The International Anti-Woke Backlash Has Begun on Apple PodcastsConspirituality: 122: Timeline Retox: Biohacking and Fascism and Stuff on Apple PodcastsRecommended Social Chemist EpisodesThe Gay Agenda & Pedophilia Scare Conspiracy Theory (buzzsprout.com)The Great Replacement Conspiracy Theory & The Reaction from the Republican Establishment (buzzsprout.com)The Transactional Relationship Between Conspiracy Theory Producer & Consumer (buzzsprout.com)Roe v. Wade: The Moral Argument of Abortion (buzzsprout.com)

Send us Fan MailIn the arena of political discourse, many can regard political commentator Bill Maher as an influential figure in mainstream television. Known for combining politics and comedy, Bill Maher has never shied away from controversy. However, in recent years, many on the political left have noticed a swift change in his rhetoric. Now filled with misinformation about medical science, a recurrent theme that has become more apparent since COVID-19 policies were implemented in the U.S. In today's episode, we assess the logical fallacies in Bill Maher's assessment of vaccines, anti-depressants, and medical science in his podcast Club Random with Bill Maher ft Aaron Rodgers. FacebookThe Social Chemist | FacebookInstagramThe Social Chemist (@socialchemistig) • Instagram photos and videosReferencesAaron Rodgers | Club Random with Bill Maher - Club Random with Bill Maher | Podcast on SpotifyThe serotonin theory of depression: a systematic umbrella review of the evidence | Molecular Psychiatry (nature.com)The Serotonin Fixation: Much Ado About Nothing New (psychiatrictimes.com)Psychosurgery for schizophrenia: history and perspectives - PMC (nih.gov)Merck ordered to pay $321 million in criminal Vioxx probe | ReutersU.S. Pharmaceutical Company Merck Sharp & Dohme Sentenced in Connection with Unlawful Promotion of Vioxx | OPA | Department of JusticeRecommended Social Chemist EpisodesThe Conspiratorial Mindset of Dr. Peter McCullough (buzzsprout.com)The Transactional Relationship Between Conspiracy Theory Producer & Consumer (buzzsprout.com)

Send us Fan MailAre we alone? It is one of humanity's greatest mysteries and one that carries our imagination into the cosmos. But what if I told you that in 1994, in a remote African community, a group of children found the answer to this question? Would you believe me? In today’s episode,, we look into one of the most famous incidences of UFO interactions and ask, did this happen, or have followers of this tale fallen for their own biases? FacebookThe Social Chemist | FacebookInstagramThe Social Chemist (@socialchemistig) • Instagram photos and videosReferencesAriel School UFO incident - WikipediaThe 1994 Ruwa Zimbabwe Alien Encounter (skeptoid.com)The Story of Children in Zimbabwe Encountering a UFO - YouTubeUFO Encounter at Ariel School in Ruwa, Zimbabwe 1994 Dr. John E. Mack - YouTube

Send us Fan MailOn September 11, 2001, four American airlines were hijacked and converted into weapons of war. One of these planes was Flight 93, which departed from Newark International Airport in New Jersey, heading to San Francisco Internation Airport when at 9:28 am Ziad Jarrah, and three other Al-Qaeda terrorists stormed into the cockpit and took control of the airline with the intent of crashing it either into the White House or Capitol House. However, as the passengers of Flight 93 realized the reality of their situation, they collectively decided to take action and fight back against this new variation of terrorism. This effort, unfortunately, did not result in the survival of anyone on that plane that tragic day. Twenty-one years have passed since the traumatic events of 9/11, but behind the pain and policy changes that came after the attacks on the U.S. The conspiratorial mindset blossom in an age where the internet enables an individual with conspiratorial inclinations to congregate and share their unique distrust of government and experts. In today's episode, we revisit the timeline of Flight 93 and the conspiracy theories associated with this specific incident. As well as learned about David Ray Griffin, a famous popular conspiracy theorist that has exchanged doubt about 9/11 for praise and popularity.FacebookThe Social Chemist - Home | FacebookInstagramThe Social Chemist (@socialchemistig) • Instagram photos and videosReferencesUnited Airlines Flight 93 - Wikipedia9/11 conspiracy theories - WikipediaCBS News exclusive: Fighter pilots recall mission to take down Flight 93 on 9/11 - YouTubeDavid Ray Griffin: 9/11 The Myth And The Reality - The Fact Hunter | Podcast on SpotifyFlight 93 Simulation flight path on September 11United Airlines Flight 93 Reconstruction with ATC Recording - September 11 2001 - YouTubeRecommended Social Chemist EpisodesThe Conspiratorial Mindset Behind Sandy Hook Elementary School (buzzsprout.com)The Tuskegee Experiment Of 1932: Psychosocial Mistrust Of Vaccinations Among African Americans (buzzsprout.com)

Send us Fan MailOn December 14th, 2012, twenty children and six adults were murdered by 20-year-old Adam Lanza at Sandy Hook Elementary. In the aftermath of the tragedy, law enforcement and politicians tried to help explain what occurred and why, but as with all breaking news stories, details were reported without confirmation. As a result, a movement of emotional manipulation and political agenda formed. Almost a decade after the school massacre, right-wing conspiracy theorist Alex Jones has been found guilty of promoting misinformation and forced to pay the victims for his spread of conspiracy theories and disinformation. Still, researchers of conspiratorial ideologies state that the damage has already been done and that the plague of conspiracy theory will only continue to grow. Today's episode explores why Sandy Hook Elementary School has become America's most iconic conspiracy theory. FacebookThe Social Chemist - Home | FacebookInstagramThe Social Chemist (@socialchemistig) • Instagram photos and videosReferences Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting - WikipediaSandy Hook Elementary School shooting | Facts & Timeline | BritannicaJury Orders Alex Jones to Pay $45.2 Million in Sandy Hook Case - The New York Times (nytimes.com)Sandy Hook conspiracy theorist gets prison time for threatening victim's family | Newtown shooting | The GuardianU.S. Defense Spending Compared to Other Countries (pgpf.org)Series on Logical Fallacies - The Anecdotal Fallacy — Dear PandemicSandy Hook Truthers Say Robbie Parker Video Is Evidence Of Hoax - InquisitDr. Todd GrandeAdam Lanza | Mental Health & Personality - YouTubeVICE Mini-DocumentaryThe Rise of the Crisis Actor Conspiracy Movement - YouTubeRobbie Parker CNN  videoFather of school shooting victim 'blessed to be her dad - YouTubeRobbie Parker Unedited video Robby Parker Laughing A Day After His Daughter Was Murdered at S H - YouTubeRecommended Videos Elizabeth Williamson presents Sandy Hook in conversation with Robbie Parker - YouTubeRecommended The Social Chemist EpisodesThe Great Replacement Conspiracy Theory & The Reaction from the Republican Establishment (buzzsprout.com)