Deadly Disinformation: The role of conspiracy theories and ideology in radicalization

Viral disinformation—misleading content designed to manipulate belief and behavior—has become a powerful tool in the digital era. Though widely used to inflame public sentiment and polarize populations, the psychological mechanisms by which disinformation facilitates radicalization and mobilization remain underexplored. Can stories cause real-world harm? What kinds of narratives are particularly dangerous? And who is most vulnerable to their effects?

This presentation explores the mobilizing potential of disinformation through both historical examples and recent case studies from the United States and Russia. Across these contexts, disinformation campaigns have weaponized narratives to harden group boundaries and justify political violence. Despite distinct cultural backdrops, these campaigns reveal striking similarities in the psychological conditions that made them effective, including social isolation, perceived identity threat, and heightened moral polarization.

By comparing the structure, content, and psychological effects of these disinformation campaigns, the analysis highlights shared antecedents and outlines vulnerability factors that make individuals and groups susceptible to radicalizing influence. These insights offer a deeper understanding of how dangerous narratives can become catalysts for real-world political violence.