It's a conspiracy: the impact of conspiracy theories and misinformation

British Academy-funded research suggests that 14 is a peak age for conspiracy beliefs to develop, and in recent years, a range of these beliefs have widely proliferated. But what are the motivations for adopting these theories, and what have the consequences been?

Our panel of experts will discuss the impact that conspiracy theories have had on academics, politics, and wider society, as well as suggesting what we can all do to guard against them.

Our panel is:

• Anjana Ahuja (Chair), contributing writer on science for the FT; co-author of Spike: The Virus vs The People with Jeremy Farrar

• Professor Sarah Churchwell, Chair in Public Understanding of the Humanities at UoL’s School of Advanced Study; author of Behold America: A History of America First and the American Dream

• Marcus Gilroy-Ware, Lecturer in Digital Media at SOAS, University of London; author of After the Fact?: The Truth about Fake News and Filling the Void

• Alice Phoenix, Education Coordinator for Shout Out UK, whose mission is to protect and amplify democracy by ensuring Political Literacy and Media Literacy education is made accessible to all

Register for free or drop in on the day.

This talk is part of the British Academy’s Summer Showcase, a free festival of ideas for curious minds. Meet the researchers shaping our world. This event will take place outside in the Summer Showcase Garden Marquee, outside No.10-11 Carlton House Terrace.