EXPLORING CONSPIRATORIAL IDEATION, SOCIOLOGICAL DIMENSIONS OF DIGITALIZATION

Abstract

The study examines the societal implications of being exposed to conspiracy theories. Respondents were subjected to various conspiracy theories about media consumption, conspiratorial ideations in terms of socio-political and education, and their mutual relationship for creating a fertile ground for conspiracy theories. On the other hand, literacy does not provide meaningful knowledge about political and social efficacy or insight into conspiratorial thinking. As a result, it is an attempt to see if conspiratorial ideation may exist. In a 2017 publication, Joseph DiGrazia developed a novel notion of conspiracy ideation. In his research, he attempted to establish and convey a sociological understanding of the structural factors that are related to conspiratorial ideas and attitudes. To measure the reactions, he employed an aggregate of Google search data. His research found that socioeconomic factors such as unemployment, demographic change, and partisan control of government or changes in government are linked to an increase in conspiratorial ideation. The underlying research is based on and inspired by Joseph DiGrazia's work on conspiratorial ideation.