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Who believes in Covid conspiracies?

Which groups of people are prone to conspiracy myths and to what extent do they differ from the rest of the population? This study has analysed this.

Over the course of the COVID-19 pandemic, it has become clear how widespread conspiracy theories about the pandemic are in Germany. To counteract their influence in the social debate, it is important to find out which groups of people are particularly prone to believe in these myths and how their believers differ from the rest of the population. This study investigates the effects of socio-demographics, media behaviour, and value orientations on COVID-19 conspiracies. It explores whether the supporters of COVID conspiracies have different fundamental values with regard to freedom, security, or equality from people who do not support such beliefs. The results of this study show that about 15 percent of the population in Germany believe in a “COVID conspiracy” and this phenomenon can be found across various groups of the population. It turns out that people whose values are very community-oriented are less likely to believe in Corona conspiracy myths than others. This group of people either prioritises the common good over their own actions or emphasises the protection and equality of all people. Fundamental values thus have a strong effect on belief in such myths.

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