Abstract
The checkered history of false knowledge, deliberate (disinformation) or otherwise (misinformation), has been long and varied, ranging from propaganda to memes. In recent times, the crisis of misinformation has been amplified owing to multiple agents on social media, usually comprising user-driven platforms where unchecked “facts” can be posted. This chapter explores the intersection of dark creativity and misinformation, particularly conspiratorial misinformation. Dark creativity refers to the use of ideational processes to meet less desirable (and even harmful) goals. Recent research has also reconceptualized conspiracies as creative narratives, and therefore, we propose features common to creative and conspiratorial thinking. We also discuss features associated with individuals who may be more susceptible to believing and spreading misinformation, as well as their creative characteristics. The chapter also proposes ways to emerge from the crisis, harnessing critical thinking skills that can assist in debunking or pre-bunking misinformation.
Arathy Puthillam
Graduate Student
My research interests include social, moral, and political psychology.