Six common conspiracy theories and why it’s pointless to argue with them

This paper explores six widespread conspiracy theories, ranging from the belief in a secret Illuminati ruling the world to the more recent QAnon and COVID-19-related conspiracies. It also reflects on the emotional appeal of conspiracy theories and their resistance to being disproven by factual evidence. It examines how these theories attract followers, their detachment from verifiable reality, and their evolution into movements that have led to significant real-world events, such as the storming of the U.S. Capitol.