4 Types of conspiracy posts – and how to spot them

1. THE PHOTO COMPARISON Hallmarks: Photo collages asserting that one thing is (or isn’t) like the other. The subjects tend to be pixelated, shot from odd angles, or straight-up Photoshopped – badly.

see: Snapshots of Hillary Clinton that ‘prove’ she’s been replaced by a doppelgänger.

2. THE SYMBOLOGIST

Hallmarks: Secret symbols alleged in gestures, images, or hashtags, often paired with guides explaining the hidden meaning behind them.

see: During Brett Kavanaugh’s confirmation hearing, Republican operative Zina Bash rested her hand with her pointer finger and thumb forming a circle. Lib Twitter exploded with assertions that Bash was flashing the sign for ‘white power’. 3. THE BEAUTIFUL MIND Hallmarks: Multiparagraph screeds (or long YouTube videos) connecting ever unlikelier dots to come to a scandalous conclusion. see: The Flat Earth Society’s FAQ page.

4. THE ALEX JONES

Hallmarks: Outlandish claims that are weak on supporting evidence but high in fervour. They’re most common among YouTubers and guests on Hannity. These conspiracists are so furious/hurt/scandalised/righteous about this thing you’ve never heard of. This thing is BAD. It’s SAD. That’s all you need to know.

see: Trump tweets ending in ‘WITCH HUNT!’