The Flat Earth Conspiracy: Why People Believe the Earth is Flat Again

It may seem hard to believe in this modern age, but there are still many people who believe that the Earth is flat. This conspiracy theory has been around for centuries, and despite being scientifically disproven, it's experiencing a resurgence in popularity. In fact, a recent YouGov poll found that a third of Americans believe the Earth is flat.

So what's causing this renewed interest in something that was once considered laughable? One reason may be social media. The internet has given people a platform to share their beliefs and connect with others who share similar views. This can create a sense of community and validation, which can be powerful motivators.

Another reason for the resurgence of flat Earth theory is the lack of understanding about science among some segments of the population. According to University of Melbourne cartographer Chandra Jayasuriya, it was once common for people to believe in a flat Earth because they didn't have access to information outside of their communities. This lack of knowledge and understanding can make it easier for false beliefs to take hold.

But how did we actually establish that the world is round? The answer lies in ancient Greek philosophy, particularly the work of Aristotle and Eratosthenes. These philosophers used observations of the Earth's shadow during lunar eclipses to calculate the circumference of the Earth. This was a groundbreaking discovery that laid the foundation for modern astronomy.

Despite being scientifically disproven, flat Earth theory has some high-profile supporters. Basketball players, musicians, rappers, and TV hosts are just a few examples of celebrities who have publicly expressed their belief in a flat Earth. This may be because the idea taps into people's desire to challenge authority and question established knowledge.

The flat-Earth movement is not only growing but also getting more traction than some other conspiracy theories. For example, interest in chemtrails, which proposes that a plane's long-lasting condensation trail is actually made up of chemical or biological agents, remains stable. However, the flat Earth theory has tripled its search volume over the last couple of years.

In conclusion, the flat Earth conspiracy theory may seem ridiculous to many people, but it's clear that there are still many who believe in it. By understanding why this theory is appealing and how social media is fueling its growth, we can better appreciate the importance of critical thinking and science literacy in our society.

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