The Language of Conspiracy Theories Panel Discussion

Description/Abstract/Artist Statement

The FBI defines extremist conspiracy theories as an “attempt to explain events or circumstances as the result of a group of actors working in secret to benefit themselves at the expense of others” which are “usually at odds with official or prevailing explanations of events.” This panel will discuss the language features that can be used to recognize conspiracy theories. Panelists will also address circumstances that make people vulnerable to conspiracy theories, the spread of conspiracy theories, and how conspiracy theories are an assault on expertise and a threat to the rule of law and a democracy. We conclude with strategies for raising awareness about the danger of conspiracy theories.

Presenting Author Name/s

Kaelie Polhemus, Maggie Hartzell, Dawntenai Ramsey, Huyen Nguyen, Ella Davies, and Ian Siemen

Faculty Advisor/Mentor

Bridget Anderson

College Affiliation

College of Arts & Letters

Presentation Type

Oral Presentation

Disciplines

Other Arts and Humanities

Session Title

The Language of Conspiracy Theories: Linguistic Perspectives

Location

Zoom Room FF

Start Date

3-20-2021 3:00 PM

End Date

3-20-2021 3:55 PM

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Mar 20th, 3:00 PM Mar 20th, 3:55 PM

The Language of Conspiracy Theories Panel Discussion

Zoom Room FF

The FBI defines extremist conspiracy theories as an “attempt to explain events or circumstances as the result of a group of actors working in secret to benefit themselves at the expense of others” which are “usually at odds with official or prevailing explanations of events.” This panel will discuss the language features that can be used to recognize conspiracy theories. Panelists will also address circumstances that make people vulnerable to conspiracy theories, the spread of conspiracy theories, and how conspiracy theories are an assault on expertise and a threat to the rule of law and a democracy. We conclude with strategies for raising awareness about the danger of conspiracy theories.