Just recently, in casual conversation, someone commented … that “they” already have a cure for cancer but are hiding it…. One survey, from 2005, found that 27.3% of those surveyed endorsed this belief. Another survey from 2014 found that 37% of people believe the FDA is suppressing natural cancer cures on behalf of “Big Pharma”. A 2018 survey found that 37% of people believe that cancer can be cured solely through natural alternative treatments.
That there is a huge overlap between [complementary and alternative medicines (CAM)] true believers and conspiracy theorists is … the natural consequence of rejecting science, the institutions of science, and expertise.
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Some people seem to be innate conspiracy theorists, and buy pretty much every conspiracy. That is just how they see the world. But there is a continuum, and at the other end there are those with more of an analytical thinking style who are relatively resistant. But most people are in between, and are “opportunistic” conspiracy theorists – they will latch onto conspiracy theories that support their existing belief system or their tribal identity.
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We are now also a hairs-breath away from a dangerous medical conspiracy theorist possibly being put in charge of our institutions of health – RFK Jr.
