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The topic of this diploma thesis is the media image of the Velvet Revolution related to various conspiracy theories. This view can be traced in Czechoslovak (and later Czech periodicals) on the basis of predetermined storylines. The specified period for the analysis of individual elements of these theories is from November 17, 1989 to about mid-1993, or earlier if the periodical ceased to be published. The period of the Velvet Revolution is a fundamental period of our republic, which at this time underwent an economic, political, social transformation… And few aspects of everyday life remained the same as before the revolution. Because this change took place so suddenly and so quickly, a lot of rumors, misinformation, and conspiracy theories began to spread to explain to some extent what had happened, especially if they did not like the officially recognized version of events. It is these alternative explanations of the events of that time that are the subject of this work. I will analyze them in a total of 7 titles, in Rudé právo, Lidové noviny, Studentské listy, Respekt, Květy, Špígl and Analýza 17 listopadu by Miroslav Dolejší. First, I will introduce the theoretical basis of concepts such as conspiracy theory, misinformation, ect., with which I will continue to work. I will also outline the...

"Pattern Extraction - Scenarios" is a documentation of experiences inside of the collective subconscious that is the internet and an attempt at understanding and highlighting mechanisms and effects of algorithmic governance and cultural automation.

Verschwörungstheorien haben Hochkonjunktur. Jedoch gibt es kaum wissenschaftliche Literatur, die sich mit diesem Phänomen beschäftigen, vor allem nicht auf dem Gebiet der politischen Bildung. Diese Staatsexamensarbeit soll eine Annäherung an Verschwörungstheorien sein und beschäftigt sich insbesondere mit den Erfahrungen von Politiklehrer/innen mit Konspirationen.

Though it is a centuries old practice, anti-vaccination has become a growing trend since the rise of the internet. Anti-vaccination rhetoric complicates neoliberal beliefs about public health and systems of medical knowledge-making. This study follows 100 Twitter accounts which advance anti-vaccination beliefs. Studying these accounts reveals that anti-vaccination is part of a larger moral and epistemological universe of belief. Anti-vaccination advocates on Twitter use a digital activist identity to create affective networks which draw from epistemologies of conspiracy theory and connect to current political events. Anti-vaccination advocates on Twitter are not uninformed. Rather, they ascribe to their own process of information legitimization. Anti-vaccination advocates on Twitter draw from their complex epistemologies and affective networks to build an alternative immunology which focuses on maintaining the purity of the individual body as a metaphor for protection of the state and of humanity

This essay describes part of the process behind the exhibition Almost through the theory of a whole. This includes a short historical background of the subject matter (The hollow earth theory) and certain theoretical frameworks and perspectives that has been used in the process. These theories include Michel Serres theory of noise and C. G. Jungs theory of synchronicity.  Further the essay looks at conspiracy theory, artifitial intelligence and art making thorugh these theories.

The spread of the Covid-19 pandemic has been since its early beginnings accompanied by the spread of the so called 'infodemic' of misinformation and conspiracy theories about the virus in the media. This infodemic swiftly started to present a matter of significant concern especially in the dynamic landscape of digital media which due to an ease of sharing and content contribution allowed for Covid-19 conspiracy theories to continue to gain momentum. Because of the severe implications that the potential ill-informed actions of conspiracy theory believers could have on the public health, it is necessary to gain a better understanding of the conspiracy theory believers and the way that they spread Covid-19 conspiracy theories. With this in mind, this thesis through the use of qualitative interviews probed into the worldviews of Covid-19 conspiracy theory believers in the Czech Republic. The analytical scrutiny of the interviews through the lens of the theories of network society, context collapse and echo chambers provided important insights into how Czech Covid-19 conspiracy theory believers use digital media in order to learn about and disseminate Covid-19 conspiracy theories. Additionally, this thesis provides an understanding of how the way the conspiracy theory believers navigate context collapse on Facebook drives them to seek echo chambers on e-mail which strengthen their beliefs in Covid-19 conspiracy theories. Moreover, my thesis also sheds light onto how the echo chambers are instrumental in the individuals' distrust in traditional media.

This diploma thesis focuses on the dissemination of conspiracy theories, fake news and hoaxes and the role of media in this process. First, the basic concepts are explained and the topic of the thesis is put in a broader context. The functioning of disinformation media is described including the description of the local scene. Other channels used to deceive recipients include e-mails and applications, social networks, and word of mouth. Special attention is paid to the regular media and the rules according to which they should operate. The theory is followed by a practical part, which maps the spreading of specific misinformation not only through the media, but also fact-checking initiatives. Examples include conspiracy theories about the fire in Notre-Dame Cathedral, hoaxes about alleged refugees in Cheb, Czech Television journalist Marek Wollner and MP Olga Richterová, and the case of the dubious non-profit organization International Children's Cross. The analysis of these cases is conducted through a mixed research model: Data collection is carried out by a quantitative method, while working with them, qualitative methods associated with grounded theory are applied. The aim is to define and describe the forms that the media give to misinformation in their outputs, and to determine in which cases...

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Research suggests a significant negative relationship exists between analytical and critical thinking and epistemically unwarranted beliefs. The present study aimed to examine this relationship by measuring preference for and engagement in analytical and critical thinking, then comparing these variables with belief in conspiracy theories, pseudoscience, and paranormal phenomena. The quantitative cross-sectional observational study was conducted without intervention, collecting multi-purpose data. Email invitations recruited participants (N=112) from small and large businesses, organisations, schools, independent churches, and interest groups in alternative medicine and pseudoscience. Participants were Swedish speaking and 18 years or older. Relationships between variables were tested with Pearson’s correlation coefficient. The result showed significant negative correlations between beliefs in pseudoscience and the variables rationality, rational favorability, rational ability, and engagement. In addition, rational ability had a significant negative correlation with paranormal beliefs. The result did not show significant correlations between the measured cognitive variables and belief in conspiracy theories. The results suggest that individuals disengaged from, or lacking preference for, analytical and critical thinking processes are more likely to reject established science and instead endorse pseudoscience and paranormal beliefs. The study contributes to a deeper understanding of how cognitive traits and skills are connected to epistemically unwarranted beliefs. Future research can further explore these cognitive traits and skills, because they are crucial in health promotion efforts to mitigate epistemically unwarranted beliefs. Facilitating enhanced learning environments, supporting health promotion initiatives, and enabling effective health communication will cultivate reflective, empowered, and ultimately healthier members of society.