Research and data suggesting that stopping conspiracy theories may be dificult
Conspiracy theorists are not likely to be persuaded by an attempt to dispel their theories; they may even characterize that very attempt as further proof of the conspiracy. Because those who hold conspiracy theories typically suffer from a crippled epistemology, in accordance with which it is rational to hold such theories, the best response consists in cognitive infiltration of extremist groups. Various policy dilemmas, such as the question whether it is better for government to rebut conspiracy theories or to ignore them, are explored in this light.
Source: https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=1084585
Source: https://dash.harvard.edu/handle/1/10880581
Source: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/227999349_Conspiracy_Theories_Causes_and_Cures
Source: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/j.1467-9760.2008.00325.x
“Most people who believe in conspiracy theories don’t trust the informational sources the rest of us rely on,” Pierre says, “which thwarts attempts at counterargument.”
Joseph Pierre, psychiatrist and researcher at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA
Conspiracy theorists are overwhelmingly suspicious toward the official account. That means any scientific evidence that doesn’t fit into the conspiracy theory must be faked.
Source: https://theconversation.com/coronavirus-plandemic-and-the-seven-traits-of-conspiratorial-thinking-138483
More on the subject here: https://www.nbcnews.com/meet-the-press/video/watts-delicate-balance-to-stop-conspiracy-theories-83565637763