There are financial incentive structures too. “Influencers, like Alex Jones before his several convictions for defamation, make millions from perpetuating conspiracy theories energising and manipulating their followers. Politicians use them to promulgate their ideas by frightening and mobilising voters.” Van Prooijen points out that while populism exists on both sides of the political spectrum, right-wing politicians seem to benefit significantly more in electoral terms. 

A politically relevant conspiracy theory is the sovereign citizen movement, the belief you can declare yourself independent of government, thus elevating yourself above the laws of the land, including crucially any obligation to pay taxes. “People use fake diplomat stickers; print their own driver’s licences from the internet, and so forth – all of which is illegal and very problematic, particularly for the people themselves, who get into financial and legal trouble.”

While that might make one chuckle, it’s a real problem. “There are about 10,000 people who wrote to the Netherlands tax authorities to declare themselves sovereign. They’re often desperate people who see this as a way out.” Van Prooijen adds that there is also a (mistaken) belief that the Dutch state has reserved €1.5 million for every citizen.
 

Respect and intellectual humility 

The term wappie (roughly looney) rose to prominence in Dutch discourse during the pandemic. It was used to label those vocally espousing conspiracy theories and reflected an understandable desire to dismiss and exclude. However, according to Van Prooijen, this undermines the foundations of civic and democratic society. “With this book, I want to create understanding between people, to show that anyone can fall for conspiracy theories. Sure, some are more susceptible than others but that doesn’t mean they are crazy.”

More than anything, he wants dialogue to continue. “In the last chapter, I advise how to keep talking to people close to you who have fallen for conspiracy theories.” Here, it is important to keep in mind that the perceived fervour and defensiveness of those affected makes sense from their point of view: if it were true that the government were secretly microchipping people, you’d want to shout it from the rooftops – and you’d be frustrated by those unable or unwilling to acknowledge this ‘truth’ and act on it.

“Dialogue is not easy and it doesn’t always work,” warns Van Prooijen. “First of all, don’t get antagonistic. It’s really important to create an atmosphere of mutual respect and then oppose their perspective. It also helps if you are actually knowledgeable about the topics at hand.” In addition to the actions caused by adhering to untrue beliefs, Van Prooijen thinks polarisation between those believing conspiracy theories and or fake news and those who don’t is a real problem.

“In general, with influencers harnessing the internet to exploit conspiracy theories for financial gain, it will become imperative to educate people better, especially in high school, how to recognise these techniques and most importantly to think critically, to carefully look at all the evidence and deliberate rationally. Intellectual humility, the realisation that actually you don’t know much about the world, is more important than ever.”

Text: Florian Raith