Why do conspiracy theories captivate millions of people? Why do some individuals become convinced that powerful groups are secretly manipulating world events? And has the internet and social media really created an unprecedented age of conspiracy thinking?

From claims that the Earth is flat to allegations that COVID-19 was engineered in a secret laboratory, conspiracy theories have become impossible to ignore. They shape how people vote, affect individual’s health decisions, and can even fuel extremism and violence. Hoax cuts through the sensationalism to reveal what decades of scientific research actually tells us about conspiracy beliefs. Exploring the psychological roots of conspiracy thinking, the role of crises and social conflict, and the impact of social media, Jan-Willem van Prooijen provides a balanced account of a fascinating phenomenon. Drawing on historical and contemporary examples – from pandemics and terrorism to wars and economic upheaval – Hoax shows why conspiracy theories emerge, why they appeal to so many, and what can be done to limit their harmful consequences.