Why Conspiracy Theories Are So Addictive | Real Talk with Marissa Streit and Guest Michael Shermer

Author and Skeptic magazine founder Michael Shermer joins this NEW episode of Real Talk to discuss why conspiracy theories spread, how some turn out to be true, and when to tell the difference between healthy suspicion and paranoia. Shermer explains why UFOs, 9/11, the moon landing, COVID, and antisemitic conspiracies capture the public imagination, and how social media and AI have made false narratives easier to create and spread. We also discuss the difference between real conspiracies and conspiracy theories, and why the best question to ask is: what would it take to change your mind?

00:00 - Michael Shermer on Conspiracy Theories 00:29 - Conspiracies vs. Conspiracy Theories 03:26 - Are UFOs Real? 07:23 - When Government Secrets Are Legitimate 09:39 - Area 51, the Moon Landing, and Flat Earth 14:24 - Why Conspiracy Theories Are So Addictive 15:29 - The Psychology Behind Conspiracy Thinking 18:04 - Why Jews Become Targets of Conspiracies 21:35 - Low Trust and Conspiracy Thinking 24:02 - Tribal Conspiracism and Groupthink 28:18 - Why Big Events Create Big Conspiracy Theories 36:20 - What Really Happened on 9/11? 48:05 - COVID, Censorship, and the Collapse of Trust 01:01:41 - How to Test a Conspiracy Theory 01:08:11 - How to Talk to Conspiracy Believers

Join PragerU CEO Marissa Streit as she interviews some of the most significant thought leaders and influential figures from around the world.

Real Talk explores the biggest cultural, political, and social issues of our time through candid conversations that challenge assumptions, spark ideas, and bring clarity to complex topics.

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