The dangerous alliance between New Age spirituality and extreme right-wing conspiracies
Conspiracy theories have become increasingly prevalent, spreading like wildfire during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, these anti-science beliefs are not limited to the realm of COVID-19 but have extended to various other topics, including vaccines, sunscreen, cancer causes, and even wifi. This alarming trend is known as conspirituality, a merging of interests between New Age spirituality and extreme right-wing anti-science activists. This article explores the reasons behind this alliance, the role of profit, and the dangerous consequences of conspiratorial thinking.
The Spread of Conspirituality:
The convergence of New Age spirituality and right-wing anti-science movements may seem unlikely at first, but it is driven by shared distrust of mainstream institutions, including medicine and media. Additionally, profit plays a significant role, with both movements capitalizing on conspiracy capitalism. The alignment between wellness and anti-science conspiracy movements is fueled by individualism, entrepreneurship, and self-promotion—the virtues of capitalism.
Conspiracy Entrepreneurialism and the Case of Anti-Sunscreen “Activism”:
One striking example of conspiracy entrepreneurialism is the spread of misinformation about sunscreen. Influencers like Dr. Joseph Mercola in the U.S. and Pete Evans in Australia have falsely claimed that sunscreen is dangerous and interferes with natural vitamin D production. They promote their own “natural” sunscreen products while disregarding scientific evidence about the harmful effects of UV rays. Similarly, in South Africa, Dr. Naseeba Kathrada and others combine advocacy for ineffective treatments like ivermectin with anti-vaccine rhetoric, exploiting fears and misinformation for profit.
The Durability of Misinformation:
Once misinformation takes hold, it becomes challenging to correct. Studies have shown that exposure to false information can significantly decrease people’s intentions to take protective measures. Attempts to correct misinformation in real time often fail to change people’s beliefs. This poses a significant challenge in combating conspirituality and its dangerous consequences.
The Big Wellness Industry and Anti-Regulation Tactics:
The wellness industry, worth billions of dollars annually, has adopted anti-regulation tactics reminiscent of Big Pharma, Big Food, and Big Tobacco. Lobbying efforts have been directed towards preventing legislation that would regulate natural products, framing such regulation as an assault on the industry. The fight against regulation has hindered efforts to ensure the safety and efficacy of wellness products.
Fighting Back Against Conspirituality:
Scientists and public health advocates must employ various strategies to combat conspirituality. Inoculating the public against misinformation by providing scientific counter-arguments and warning about the motives behind disinformation is crucial. Improving health literacy and conducting research on the effectiveness of strategies to counter misinformation are also vital steps in pushing back against conspirituality.
Conclusion:
The rise of conspirituality, the convergence of New Age spirituality and extreme right-wing anti-science beliefs, poses a significant threat to public health. The alliance between these movements is driven by distrust of mainstream institutions and the pursuit of profit. Combating conspirituality requires a multi-faceted approach, including inoculating the public against misinformation, improving health literacy, and conducting research to develop effective strategies. The urgency to push back against dangerous and unfounded beliefs has never been greater.
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