Tag: conspiracy theories

Narratology – How Stories Work and Why They Matter

Posted on by Andreea Sepi in COMMUNICATION, Psychology, Rhetoric, Speech Communication, Written Communication

We live in a world of stories. Stories shape the way we think about reality. Stories are what we tell ourselves about ourselves. When the human brain wants to make sense of events and data in the environment, transform them into actionable insights, and share them with others, there is no way around stories. We … Continue reading Narratology – How Stories Work and Why They Matter →

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Information and Persuasion: 3 Features of Conspiracy Theories (reloaded)

Posted on by Andreea Sepi in COMMUNICATION, Decision-making, INTERCULTURAL COMMUNICATION, Negotiations, Psychology, Rhetoric, Speech Communication

"Most people reason dramatically, not quantitatively" (O.W. Holmes) In light of the recent anti-Corona demonstrations (Stichwort #Aluhut), I feel almost compelled to post an older article I wrote about communication and the psychology of conspiracy theories. CRISES AND INGREDIENTS In times of crisis and upheaval conspiracy theories abound. When people experience unease and doubt, when old … Continue reading Information and Persuasion: 3 Features of Conspiracy Theories (reloaded) →

Information and Persuasion: 3 Features of Conspiracy Theories

Posted on by Andreea Sepi in COMMUNICATION, Decision-making, INTERCULTURAL COMMUNICATION, Negotiations, Psychology, Speech Communication

In times of crisis and upheaval conspiracy theories abound. When people experience unease and doubt, when old answers no longer seem to function or are challenged by societal change, when suspicions are born and everything seems relative and ambiguous, our brains yearn for unequivocal, clear-cut, black and white answers. It would also appear that the decline … Continue reading Information and Persuasion: 3 Features of Conspiracy Theories →