How Conspiracy Theories Break Families

Conspiracy theories are known to affect those who believe in them, but they also have profound effects on close relationships. This study explores how differences in media consumption and conspiratorial beliefs contribute to relationship breakdowns among couples in the U.S.

Conspiracy Beliefs
cyberharms
Families
Author
Affiliation

InfoEpi Lab

Information Epidemiology Lab

Published

October 1, 2025

Key Findings: Differences in media diet and conspiracy beliefs can erode a couple’s shared reality by drawing one partner into alternative media ecosystems and conspiratorial communities, leaving the other unable to connect on basic facts. Attempts to correct these beliefs often fail because conspiracies are deeply intertwined with identity, trust, and a sense of belonging.

Citation

BibTeX citation:
@article{infoepi_lab2025,
  author = {{InfoEpi Lab}},
  publisher = {Information Epidemiology Lab},
  title = {How {Conspiracy} {Theories} {Break} {Families}},
  journal = {InfoEpi Lab},
  date = {2025-10-01},
  url = {https://infoepi.org/posts/2025/10/how-conspiracy-theories-break-families.html},
  langid = {en}
}
For attribution, please cite this work as:
InfoEpi Lab. 2025. “How Conspiracy Theories Break Families.” InfoEpi Lab, October. https://infoepi.org/posts/2025/10/how-conspiracy-theories-break-families.html.