One Dumb Conspiracy

One Dumb Conspiracy is a weekly column that debunks conspiracy theories that are swirling around the internet that runs on Mondays in the Daily Dot’s web_crawlr newsletter. If you want to read this column before everyone else, sign up for the newsletter here.

Buckingham Palace London, UK with crowd

No, a naked man held by the Royal family didn’t escape Buckingham Palace

The video exploded on Twitter last week.

On May 2, 2023 by Mikael Thalen

ampoules with Covid-19 vaccine on a laboratory bench

Anti-vaxxers twist FDA announcement on deauthorization of certain COVID vaccines

Their claims aren’t true.

On Apr 25, 2023 by Mikael Thalen

Pope Francis with hand up in front of blurry grey background

Conspiracy theorists freak after fake photos emerge of the Pope with ‘Satanic priests’

Just like the AI-generated photo of the Pope wearing a puffer coat, the image of the religious leader still fooled some.

On Apr 18, 2023 by Mikael Thalen

Hillary Clinton 2008 speaking into microphone in front of glass ceiling background

Hillary Clinton’s glass ceiling speech cited by flat earthers as proof world is covered by glass dome

Clearly, this isn’t true.

On Apr 11, 2023 by Mikael Thalen

Homepage article image

Conspiracy theorists now think a ‘zombie virus’ is being unleashed

Several factors in the video indicate that the claims being made are entirely false.

On Apr 4, 2023 by Mikael Thalen

Grindr app in app store on iPhone in front of app on larger screen

No, Grindr didn’t threaten to expose GOP users of its app

The sensational allegation is only satire.

On Mar 28, 2023 by Mikael Thalen

Bill Gates speaking outside

Don’t fall for this Bill Gates deepfake

The video was actually produced with AI.

On Mar 21, 2023 by Mikael Thalen

President Joe Biden giving a speech

No, the DOJ isn’t investigating the ‘F*ck Joe Biden’ chant

A purported news article boldly asserts that the DOJ has opted to go after people who have used the chant.

On Mar 14, 2023 by Mikael Thalen

Marjorie Taylor Greene appearing on Fox News

No, Marjorie Taylor Greene doesn’t have only three toes on both her feet

It’s unclear how many people are now convinced that Greene may be sporting the feet of an emu.

On Mar 7, 2023 by Mikael Thalen

person speaking outside with train behind (l) Train outside with hand pointing to it (c) person speaking outside with train behind (r)

Conspiracy theorists think the government is deploying false flag trains to poison their towns

Conspiracy theorists are now pointing the finger at trains that haven't even crashed with suspicion.

On Feb 28, 2023 by Mikael Thalen

Podcast host Joe Rogan

Don’t fall for this TikTok ad featuring a deepfake Joe Rogan

While the fake dialogue might be easy for some to spot, it appeared to fool others.

On Feb 21, 2023 by Mikael Thalen

Vice President Kamala Harris

Conspiracy theorists think Kamala Harris has gills… seriously

It goes without saying that all such claims are absolute nonsense.

On Feb 14, 2023 by Mikael Thalen

Podcast host Joe Rogan

Don’t fall for Joe Rogan’s latest Instagram post

The screenshot shared by Rogan is from a fake news website known as 'News Punch.'

On Jan 31, 2023 by Mikael Thalen

Buffalo,USA- February 12, 2023: Buffalo Bills AFC Champion Silks Hanging on Buffalo City Hall

Fake CNN headline on Damar Hamlin fools conspiracy theorists

Of course, the headline isn’t real.

On Jan 24, 2023 by Mikael Thalen

An image of President Joe Biden's face distorted

Conspiracy theorists think this obviously altered video of Joe Biden is real

Biden’s face in the footage appears to be heavily contorted.

On Jan 17, 2023 by Mikael Thalen