Start your own conspiracy theory!

The New Scientist provides the following cut-out-and-keep guide to starting your own conspiracy theory:

Pick your adversary: A sense of anomie (dislocation from society and authority) fuels beliefs in conspiracy theories, so pick a big bad organisation of some sort - government or big business is ideal

For added spice, identify a shadowy, secretive society with implied links to your adversary: the more shadowy, the better

Choose your event: You’ll need a big, contemporary newsworthy event around which to weave your theory

If it’s a sudden, shocking visual occurrence of international import it is more likely to become a “flashbulb memory” for the masses. Your key conspiracy audience, most able to create such vivid “indelible” memories will be between the ages of 20 and 35

Develop your story: Construct your theory from carefully selected information that weaves together into a compelling story

If something doesn’t fit, reinterpret it in line with your theory

Create uncertainty: Question existing evidence or find new evidence that contradicts the “official” account

Prepare your defence: If someone highlights a gap or inconsistency in your evidence, don’t be afraid to tweak your story, but keep the core conspiracy in place

You can allow the finer details of the theory to mutate, but always keep in mind the maxim - “they did it, I just have to find the proof that they did it”

Broaden the circle of conspirators to include those who question your position: “They’re denying the truth - they must be involved too!”