The future of conspiracy theory scholarship

The rapid proliferation of conspiracy theories has become a global concern, fueled by digital platforms and emerging technologies like generative artificial intelligence. These theories often attribute societal and environmental phenomena to secret, malevolent groups, offering simplistic explanations for complex crises like climate change, global pandemics, or political instability. Their spread is amplified by influential figures, social media affordances, and state propaganda, leading to harmful consequences: they endanger lives, target marginalized communities, and erode trust in institutions. This special issue, The Future of Conspiracy Theory Scholarship, explores the sociotechnical dynamics behind conspiracy theory production and dissemination across diverse global contexts. By examining motivations, transnational trends, and the role of technology, the contributors reveal how conspiracy theories exploit systemic mistrust while reinforcing polarization and oppression. Moving beyond Western-centric frameworks, this issue emphasizes the need for interdisciplinary, localized approaches to address the societal harms of conspiracy theories and develop pathways toward mitigating their impact. We build upon current understandings and conceptualizations of conspiracy theories to argue that while conspiracy theories may indeed further systemic oppression of marginalized communities, the act of conspiracy theorizing may also offer community and power to people who feel – or are – marginalized in society, particularly in the digital realm.