More than half of Russians believe in at least one conspiracy theory.
Sociologists from the Znanie Society found that more than half of Russians share conspiracy theories. The survey covered 1,6 residents from virtually every region of the country.
The most popular theory: COVID-19 was created in a lab
The most common theory was that the coronavirus was artificially created: 66% of respondents believed it. Dmitry Rybalchenko, First Deputy Director General of the Znanie Society, attributed this to the frequent media reports about "laboratories and virus development."
"An important factor is who exactly conveys and interprets the information: it is opinion leaders who largely shape people's attitudes toward such versions," Rybalchenko said.
What else do Russians believe in?
Forty-two percent of respondents believe that healthcare corporations are deliberately concealing cures for deadly diseases. Slightly fewer, 41%, believe the world is controlled by a "secret government." Thirty-five percent deny the moon landing, and 27% believe 5G towers are harmful to health.
Moreover, those over 60 are most likely to believe in conspiracy theories. Young people are significantly less likely to support conspiracy theories.
Why do people believe in conspiracies?
Political scientist Mikhail Vinogradov believes that the more chaotic the world, the greater the demand for order—and this is precisely what theories like "world government" satisfy. Political scientist Yegor Zubakin agreed: conspiracy theories often act as a special type of explanatory model "when the world is too complex and hostile."
Moreover, popular theories hit specific nerves. The theory that the coronavirus is artificially created fuels the feeling that "we've been singled out as victims." The "world government" theory, in turn, taps into the post-Soviet complex of lost sovereignty.
