Debunking the Myth: The True Cost of Online Degrees – BNN Breaking
Posted: February 9, 2024 at 2:44 am
The age of digital learning has been heralded as a panacea for escalating education costs, promising a more affordable and accessible alternative to traditional in-person education. Yet, as the data begins to reveal, the cost benefits of online degrees may not be as pronounced as initially anticipated.
According to the Online Learning Consortium's director of professional learning, Josh Herron, tuition fees for online courses often encompass expenses akin to those in physical settings. These include academic and student support services, technology investments, and course design costs.
A recent study sheds light on the financial implications of this trend. The average total tuition cost for out-of-state students in online bachelor's programs stands at $28,811. Furthermore, additional fees for software programs and instructor training add to the financial burden, challenging the notion that completing a degree online is invariably less expensive than traditional on-campus education.
However, not all online programs bear the same price tag. The 20 most affordable schools for out-of-state online undergraduate students offer tuition costs ranging from $18,000 to $28,000. The average per-credit price for out-of-state undergrads among these colleges is $360, providing a glimmer of hope for budget-conscious students.
The variations in time-to-degree completion also significantly impact the overall cost of an online degree. The opportunity to leverage prior learning assessments, which can reduce the number of credits required to graduate, presents another potential avenue for cost savings.
Despite these factors, Herron emphasizes that there are financial advantages to online learning that do not appear on the tuition bill. These include reductions in commuting, parking, and housing expenses, as well as the opportunity costs associated with attending classes on campus.
As the landscape of online education continues to evolve, it is crucial for students to critically evaluate the cost-benefit analysis of pursuing an online degree. While the potential for savings exists, it is by no means a foregone conclusion.
In the end, the digital transformation of education offers a wealth of opportunities, from increased accessibility to personalized learning experiences. However, the myth of drastically reduced tuition costs for online degrees requires a more nuanced examination, one that considers both the tangible and intangible expenses associated with this evolving educational paradigm.
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Debunking the Myth: The True Cost of Online Degrees - BNN Breaking
CU Boulder, Google launch free career certificate program for students and staff – University of Colorado Boulder
Posted: at 2:44 am
CU Boulder is partnering with Google to offer students and recent graduates the opportunity to earn free online career certificates that are recognized credentials by many major employers. CU Boulder is the first four-year institution in Colorado to partner with Google to offer the Google Career Certificates program.
This innovative partnershipthe first of its kind in the stateallows students to add a quality, industry-recognized credential to their collegiate experience potentially enhancing a students marketability in the workforce, said Angie Paccione, executive director of the Colorado Department of Higher Education. It also aligns with our stackable credentials work, which allows employers to inform postsecondary program curriculum to ensure graduates are developing the skills and competencies most valued by employersa clear win-win for students and employers.
The Google Career Certificates program at CU Boulder will primarily target juniors, seniors and recent graduates who are preparing to enter the workforce. The program will also be offered to employees of CU Boulders Office of Infrastructure and Sustainability as part of this pilot.
The program will help CU learners gain in-demand technical skills and forward-looking credentials to help them succeed in the digital economy.
In todays fast-paced environment, it is critical for students and young alumni to have options to upskill and gain work-based experience alongside their world class CU Boulder education, said Dylan Mark, professional experiences program manager at CU Boulder Career Services. Google Career Certificates offer CU Boulder learners a unique opportunity to explore skills and interests, pursue in-demand fieldsand provide certification of achievement to prospective employers.
The program will be hosted on the Coursera platform and will provide access to six Google Career Certificates in fields such as data analytics, project management, IT support and UX design. These certificates are designed and taught by Google employees and are considered stackable credentials, or part of a sequence of credentials that can be accumulated over time to demonstrate an individuals expanded knowledge and competencies. They are recognized by over 150 employers, including Deloitte, Ford, Verizon, Walmartand Google itself.
These certificates will help CU Boulder students align their skillsets and showcase their talents to employers that value the knowledge, skills and abilities taught in the Google Career Certificates program. The microcredentials that students can earn in this program will be a valuable add-on to the degrees that they are getting from our campus.
This is an exciting partnership for our campus that will support our students and staff in learning new skills that are directly applicable to work-based experience while enhancing their CU Boulder degrees in new ways, said Robert McDonald, dean of University Libraries and senior vice provost of online education. We are so glad that Google wants to offer our students and staff some of their best instructional content in ways that will create new opportunities at graduation and beyond.
CU Boulder has a history of partnership with Google which has grown over the years. The collaboration includes scholarship support for students in the Department of Computer Scienceand support for CU Boulders Media Archaeology Lab.
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CU Boulder, Google launch free career certificate program for students and staff - University of Colorado Boulder
Online Education Market to Record Growth of USD 148.22 billion from 2022 to 2027, 2U Inc., and Alef Education … – PR Newswire
Posted: at 2:44 am
NEW YORK, Feb. 2, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Theonline education marketis estimated to grow by USD 148.22 billion from 2022to 2027, according to Technavio. The market is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 9.49% during the forecast period.2U Inc., Alef Education Consultancy LLC, Ambow Education Holding Ltd., Aptara Inc., Cengage Learning Inc., Coursera Inc., edX LLC, General Assembly Space Inc., Instructure Holdings Inc., ITS EDUCATION ASIA, iTutorGroup Ltd., iversity Learning Solutions GmbH, LinkedIn Corp., McGraw Hill Education Inc., Online Education Pty. Ltd., Pearson Plc, Pluralsight Inc., Think and Learn Pvt. Ltd., Udacity Inc., and Udemy Inc. are key companies.
For more insights on the historical (2017 to 2021) and forecast market size (2023to 2027)-Request a free sample report
Technavio has segmented the market based on Type (Primary and secondary supplemental education, Reskilling and online certifications, Higher education, Test preparation, and Language and casual learning), End-user (Academic, Corporate, and Government), and Geography (North America, APAC, Europe, South America, and Middle East and Africa).
By geography, the global online education market is segmented into North America, APAC, Europe, South America, and the Middle East and Africa. The report provides actionable insights and estimates the contribution of all regions to the growth of the global online education market.
Insights on thecontribution of various segments including country and region, historic (2017 to 2021), and forecast market size (2023to 2027)- Download a Free Sample Report
Increasing focus on language learningis a key factor driving growth.Language learning is increasingly emphasized in academic settings globally. Governments like the UK and China are promoting this trend. In the UK, there's a focus on European languages due to Brexit's impact on the country's global standing. The rise in international student enrollments has intensified competition, with language exams like TOEFL and IELTS becoming crucial for admissions.
Insights onDrivers, trends, & Challenges, historic period(2017 to 2021), and forecast period(2023 to 2027)-Request asample report!
What are the key data covered in this Online Education Market report?
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Benefits of Online Education
Online Education offers various benefits, leveraging E-learning platforms, Online courses, and Virtual classrooms to deliver education remotely. MOOCs (Massive Open Online Courses) and EdTech (Educational Technology) enhance accessibility and engagement, while Distance learning and Digital textbooks provide flexibility and cost-effectiveness. Learning management systems (LMS) and Online degree programs streamline education delivery, and Webinars facilitate interactive learning experiences. Remote education and Online tutoring services cater to diverse learning needs, with Adaptive learning platforms and Synchronous/Asynchronous learning adapting to individual paces. Gamification in education and Microlearning enhance engagement and retention, while Blended learning combines online and in-person elements. Mobile learning offers on-the-go access, and Virtual reality (VR) and Augmented reality (AR) in education provide immersive experiences. Flipped classrooms and Competency-based education personalize learning paths, ensuring holistic, flexible, and interactive education experiences.
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Thedigital English language learning marketsize is forecast to increase byUSD 21.58 billion, at aCAGR of17.87%between 2023 and 2028.
TheGlobal AcademicE-learningMarket is estimated to growbyUSD 147.89 billionat aCAGR of 17.5%between 2022 and 2027.
ToC:
Executive Summary
Market Landscape
Market Sizing
HistoricSizes
Five Forces Analysis
Segmentation by End-user
Segmentation by Type
Segmentation by Geography
Customer Landscape
Geographic Landscape
Drivers,Challenges, &Trends
Company Landscape
Company Analysis
Appendix
About US Technavio is a leading global technology research and advisory company. Their research and analysis focus on emerging trends and provide actionable insights to help businesses identify opportunities and develop effective strategies to optimize their positions. With over 500 specialized analysts, Technavio's report library consists of more than 17,000 reports and counting, covering 800 technologies, spanning across 50 countries. Their client base consists of enterprises of all sizes, including more than 100 Fortune 500 companies. This growing client base relies on Technavio's comprehensive coverage, extensive research, and actionable insights to identify opportunities in existing and potential areas and assess their competitive positions within changingscenarios.
Contact Technavio Research Jesse Maida Media & Marketing Executive US: +1 844 364 1100 UK: +44 203 893 3200 Email: [emailprotected] Website: http://www.technavio.com
SOURCE Technavio
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Online Education Market to Record Growth of USD 148.22 billion from 2022 to 2027, 2U Inc., and Alef Education ... - PR Newswire
Online education is the new norm – The Patriotic Vanguard
Posted: at 2:44 am
By Founder and President at University of the People
Online education is the new norm.
The health threat from COVID may be over but its impact on higher education is still going strong. The pandemic triggered a major shift to online learning that is quickly reshaping the future of higher education in this country and beyond.
According to the latest federal data, there has been a 50% increase in the number of U.S. students regularly logging into their computers for their classes since 2019. As a result, more universities are offering more online courses and adding more online degree programs than ever before. Some brick-and-mortar schools even switched to online entirely.
Today, a majority 54% of college students took one or more of their classes online. This is the highest percentage of students studying online ever.
The reality is that online education is the new normal and if a student doesnt take advantage of online learning they will be behind the times. Because UoPeople is completely virtual, our students will have the online learning expertise that todays employers are looking for.
Wherever you are in the world, if this is your wakeup or stay awake cup, take a minute to share hashtag#CoffeeWithShai. If you believe in what we do, please like this video and repost it.
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Revolutionizing Learning: Exploring The Online Education Market In The Latest Research – WhaTech
Posted: at 2:44 am
The Online Education market represents a dynamic and rapidly expanding sector in the global education landscape, driven by technological advancements, changing learning preferences, and the need for flexible and accessible learning solutions.
The Online Education Market research report provides an in-depth overview of the industry including market segmentation by product, technology, vertical and geography. Analysis of the global market with special focus on high growth application in each vertical and fast-growing application market segments. It includes detailed competitive landscape with identification of the key players with respect to each type of market, in-depth market share analysis with individual revenue, market shares, and top players rankings.
Impact analysis of the market dynamics with factors currently driving and restraining the growth of the market, along with their impact in the short, medium, and long-term landscapes. Competitive intelligence from the company profiles, key player strategies, game-changing developments such as product launches and acquisitions. The objective of this study is to identify the market opportunities and estimate market size by segments and countries for last few years and to forecast the values to the next five years.
Download a sample copy of Report: http://www.marketdigits.com/request/sample/209
Key Points:
Key Trends:
Report: http://www.marketdigits.com/requestefore-/209
Major Classifications are as follows:
By Product
By Technology
By Vertical
By Geography
Reason to purchase this report:
Recent Industry News:
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Conclusion:
The Online Education market is not just about virtual classrooms; its a transformative force redefining how knowledge is accessed, shared, and applied. Key points, including the definition of online education, diverse learning formats, global accessibility, technological enablers, and adaptability, underscore the markets pivotal role in shaping the future of learning.
Trends, such as microlearning, AI and ML integration, social learning emphasis, and the recognition of online credentials, reflect the markets responsiveness to evolving learner preferences and educational needs. Recent industry news amplifies these trends with partnerships, investments in startups, government initiatives, and quality assurance measures, portraying an online education market that continues to innovate and redefine the educational landscape.
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Revolutionizing Learning: Exploring The Online Education Market In The Latest Research - WhaTech
Texas Tech University Soars in U.S. News & World Report’s 2024 Online Program Rankings – BNN Breaking
Posted: at 2:44 am
In a remarkable demonstration of educational progress, Texas Tech University has made significant strides in the U.S. News & World Report's 2024 Best Online Programs rankings. The institution's online bachelor's programs have surged to No. 50, marking an impressive leap of 79 spots from the previous year and a total ascent of 110 spots since 2022.
Beyond its achievement in online bachelor's programs, the university's online master's education program has climbed to No. 121, improving by 21 places from 2023 and 41 spots from 2022. The online MBA programs have secured a No. 22 ranking, elevating 11 positions from last year. Illustratively, the online engineering program advanced 20 spots to No. 37, realigning with its 2022 ranking.
Adding to its accolades, Texas Tech has been recognized for its significant commitment to veterans. The institution ranks No. 19 for best online MBA for veterans, up eight spots, and No. 13 for best non-MBA online master's of business programs for veterans. The university's non-MBA master's of business online program and online master's computer information technology program also featured in the rankings, at No. 28 and No. 63, respectively.
The rankings by U.S. News & World Report are grounded in a thorough evaluation of distance learning programs. They consider a range of factors like student excellence, services, technologies, expert opinions, student engagement, admissions selectivity, and faculty credentials and training.
Texas Tech attributes much of its success in online education to the faculty's ability to adapt their teaching methods to engage with the demands of students' busy lives and the benefits of earning a degree. As emphasized by Provost and Senior Vice President, Ron Hendrick, the university is committed to meeting students where they are and helping them be successful, even if they can't make it to a physical campus.
In conclusion, the remarkable rise of Texas Tech University in the online program rankings is a testament to the institution's commitment to quality education and its adaptability in the evolving educational landscape.
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Texas Tech University Soars in U.S. News & World Report's 2024 Online Program Rankings - BNN Breaking
E-Learning Market size in US is to grow by USD 56.44 billion from 2023 to 2028, The evolved learning and education … – PR Newswire
Posted: at 2:44 am
NEW YORK, Feb. 7, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Thee-learning market in US is to grow byUSD 56.44 billion from 2023to 2028 progressing at aCAGR of16.48% during the forecast period.The report offers an up-to-date analysis regarding the current global market scenario, the latest trends and drivers, and the overall market environment. The market is driven by the evolved learning and education landscape.
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The educational landscape in the US has undergone rapid transformation in recent years. The rise of e-learning courses and distance learning programs has enhanced educational accessibility, providing cost-effective alternatives to traditional university courses. There is a growing demand for innovative learning formats like AR-based e-learning and blended learning, potentially challenging traditional educational methods. Additionally, the convenience of e-learning appeals to individuals with busy lifestyles and those returning to education after dropping out.
The market is segmented by deployment (on-premise and cloud),and end-user (higher education, corporate, and K12).
Adobe Inc., Cengage Learning Holdings II Inc., Coursera Inc., D2L Corp., Docebo Inc., Flatworld Solutions Pvt. Ltd., Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Co., Infopro Learning Inc., Udemy Inc., VitalSource Technologies LLC, 2U Inc., Anthology Inc., Articulate Global Inc., eLearning Co. Inc., iEnergizer, Instructure Holdings Inc., John Wiley and Sons Inc., McGraw Hill LLC, Microsoft Corp., and Stylus Solutions Pvt. Ltd. are key companies.
This report presents a detailed picture of the market by way of study, synthesis, and summation of data from multiple sources through an analysis of key parameters- View a Free Sample Report
The e-learning market in US covers the following areas:
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Digital learning solutions and virtual classroomsfacilitate interactive and engaging learning experiences
E-learningoffers various benefits in education and training. It provides flexibility and accessibility through online education platforms and distance learning programs, allowing learners to study remotely and at their own pace. E-learning technology enhances the educational experience by offering digital learning solutions and virtual classrooms, facilitating interactive and engaging learning experiences. The EdTech industry plays a crucial role in developing and improving remote education tools and online learning platforms, contributing to the advancement of education through technology.
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The corporate e-learning market size is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 14.3% between 2023 and 2028. The market size is forecast to increase by USD 153.41 billion.
TheGlobal Academic E-learning MarketSize is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 17.5% between 2022 and 2027, and the size of the market is forecast to increase by USD 147.89 billion.
ToC:
Executive Summary
Market Landscape
Market Sizing
HistoricSizes
Five Forces Analysis
Segmentation by Deployment
Segmentation by End-user
Segmentation by Geography
Customer Landscape
Geographic Landscape
Drivers,Challenges, &Trends
Company Landscape
Company Analysis
Appendix
About Us Technavio is a leading global technology research and advisory company. Their research and analysis focus on emerging market trends and provide actionable insights to help businesses identify market opportunities and develop effective strategies to optimize their market positions. With over 500 specialized analysts, Technavio's report library consists of more than 17,000 reports and counting, covering 800 technologies, spanning across 50 countries. Their client base consists of enterprises of all sizes, including more than 100 Fortune 500 companies. This growing client base relies on Technavio's comprehensive coverage, extensive research, and actionable market insights to identify opportunities in existing and potential markets and assess their competitive positions within changing market scenarios.
Contact Technavio Research Jesse Maida Media & Marketing Executive US: +1 844 364 1100 UK: +44 203 893 3200 Email: [emailprotected] Website: http://www.technavio.com
SOURCE Technavio
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E-Learning Market size in US is to grow by USD 56.44 billion from 2023 to 2028, The evolved learning and education ... - PR Newswire
EdTech and Smart Classroom Market towards a USD 498.5 Billion by 2032 | CAGR of 15.0% – GlobeNewswire
Posted: at 2:43 am
New York, Feb. 06, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- According to Market.us, The EdTech and Smart Classroom Market size is expected to be worth around USD 498.5 Billion by 2032, from USD 146.8 Billion in 2023, growing at a CAGR of 15.0% during the forecast period from 2023 to 2032.
EdTech and smart classrooms are transforming traditional education by integrating technology into the learning experience. EdTech refers to any kind of educational technology used to enhance classroom learning, while smart classrooms specifically utilize devices like interactive whiteboards, classroom response systems, 3D printers, VR headsets and more. EdTech and Smart Classroom markets are experiencing significant growth, driven by the demand for technology-driven educational solutions. The integration of technology in education is expected to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of learning and teaching.
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Factors Affecting the Growth of the Global EdTech and Smart Classroom Market
Top Market Leaders
Recent Developments
1. Blackboard Inc.:
2. Coursera:
Scope of the Report
Report Segmentation
By Component Analysis
In the EdTech and smart classroom market, the hardware segment stands out as the dominant player, commanding the largest market share. This prominence is driven by the indispensable role that hardware components play in enabling the seamless integration of technology into educational environments.
The hardware segment encompasses a wide range of essential components, including interactive displays, tablets, laptops, projectors, and audio-visual systems, among others. These technologies form the foundation upon which modern smart classrooms and EdTech solutions are built. Interactive displays, for instance, empower educators to deliver engaging and interactive lessons, while laptops and tablets provide students with access to digital learning resources and tools.
By Deployment Mode Analysis
In the global EdTech and smart classroom market, the deployment mode analysis reveals that the cloud-based deployment segment holds the largest market share. This mode of deployment involves utilizing cloud computing technology to deliver EdTech solutions and smart classroom tools. By hosting software, data, and resources on remote servers accessed over the internet, cloud-based deployment offers several advantages that have contributed to its dominance in the market. Firstly, it provides scalability and flexibility, allowing educational institutions to easily adjust their usage and resources based on their needs.
Additionally, cloud-based deployment is cost-effective as it eliminates the need for on-premises infrastructure and enables pay-as-you-go or subscription-based models. Furthermore, it facilitates anytime, anywhere learning by providing accessibility to educational resources from any location and device with an internet connection. Collaboration and data sharing are also enhanced through cloud-based deployment, fostering interactive learning environments.
By End-User Analysis
The educational technology (EdTech) and smart classroom market have experienced significant growth, largely driven by the higher education sector. With the increasing demand for innovative and interactive learning methods, educational institutions are adopting advanced technologies to enhance the learning experience for students. The integration of EdTech solutions and smart classrooms has revolutionized traditional teaching methods, providing students with access to digital resources, personalized learning tools, and immersive educational experiences.
Key Market Segments
Component
Deployment Mode
End-User
Regional Analysis
In terms of regional analysis, North America has emerged as a dominant player in the EdTech and smart classroom market. In 2022, it commanded the largest market share, capturing 41.7% of the global market. The demand for EdTech and Smart Classroom in North America was valued at US$ 53.2 billion in 2022 and is anticipated to grow significantly in the forecast period.
The region's strong position can be attributed to factors such as the presence of leading EdTech companies, substantial investments in educational infrastructure, and a high level of technology adoption in educational institutions. Additionally, favorable government initiatives and policies supporting digital learning have further accelerated the growth of the EdTech and smart classroom market in North America.
By Geography
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EdTech and Smart Classroom Market towards a USD 498.5 Billion by 2032 | CAGR of 15.0% - GlobeNewswire
Why Warfare? – Is War Worth It? – Episode #1
Posted: February 4, 2024 at 12:20 am
Download copy from here Why Warfare? - Is War Worth It? - Episode #1
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Takeaways from the AP’s look at the role of conspiracy theories in American politics and society – DC News Now | Washington, DC
Posted: February 1, 2024 at 2:46 am
WASHINGTON (AP) Conspiracy theories have a long history.
Humans have always speculated about secret motives and plots as a way to understand their world and avoid danger.
These days, however, conspiracy theories and those who believe them seem to be playing an outsize role in politics and culture.
Republican Donald Trump has amplified conspiracy theories about climate change, elections, voting and crime, and has expressed support for the QAnon conspiracy theory. His lies about the 2020 election he lost to Democrat Joe Biden spurred the attack on the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, an event that quickly spun off its own conspiracy theories.
On the left, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has exploited conspiracy theories about vaccines to wage his own campaign for the presidency this year.
Conspiracy theories have also proven lucrative for those cashing in on unfounded medical claims, investment proposals or fake news websites.
The Associated Press has examined the history of conspiracy theories in the United States.
Interviews with experts on technology, psychology and politics give insight into why people choose to believe and spread conspiracy theories, and how those beliefs are affecting our mental health, our politics and our society.
A look at some of the biggest takeaways from the investigation:
Conspiracy theories exposed social tensions long before the American Revolution and the birth of U.S. democracy.
Just as now, early conspiracy theories reflected popular worries of the day. In the years immediately after the American Revolution, rumors and hoaxes circulated about dark plots by the Illuminati and Freemasons, suggesting those secret organizations wanted to control the republic.
Likewise, the conspiracy theories of the modern age often reflect uncertainties about technology, immigration and government overreach. Stories about UFO coverups, microchips in vaccines or the attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, being an inside job are examples.
While the specific claims in many of these tales can be debunked, the stories reflect anxieties shared by millions of people.
We are the stories we tell ourselves, said John Llewellyn, a professor at Wake Forest University who studies conspiracy theories and why people believe what they believe.
Humans thirst for information that can help them protect themselves and help them make better decisions for the future. This information, along with personal experiences, upbringing and cultural perspectives, creates a view of the world that helps people understand big events and forces in their lives.
Disasters, elections, wars and even the outcomes of sporting events can shake our perspective, and make us look for explanations. Sometimes that means accepting the facts. But sometimes it can be easier to embrace an alternative explanation.
Conspiracy theories can act as a shortcut to understanding. They fill in the gaps of understanding with speculation that often reflects more about the believers inner beliefs than the events themselves. Conspiracy theories suggesting vaccinations are being used to implant microchips in people, for instance, reflect concerns about technology, medicine and government power.
With the internet, false claims and conspiracy theories can travel further and faster than ever. Social media algorithms prioritize content that elicits strong emotions, like anger and fear.
The AP interviewed dozens of current and former conspiracy theory believers to understand what led them to believe. They consistently said conspiracy theories offered them a sense of power and control in a world that can seem random and chaotic.
The pieces did not fit, said Melissa Sell, a conspiracy theorist from Pennsylvania who began doubting the official narrative of history after the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting in Connecticut 2012.
They spoke of growing distrust of democratic institutions and the media, and a gnawing feeling they were being lied to. The world of online conspiracy theories offered answers, and a built-in community of like-minded people.
I was suicidal before I got into conspiracy theories, said Antonio Perez, a Hawaii man who became obsessed with Sept. 11 conspiracy theories and QAnon until he decided that they were interfering with his life. But when he first found other online conspiracy theorists, he was ecstatic. Its like: My God, Ive finally found my people!
Polls show nearly half of Americans believe a conspiracy theory and that those beliefs are almost always harmless. But when fringe views interfere with a persons job or relationships, they can lead to social isolation. And when people put their conspiracy theory beliefs into action, it can lead to violence.
In recent years, conspiracy theorists have tried to stop vaccine clinics, theyve attacked election officials and theyve committed murders that they say were motivated by their beliefs. The Jan. 6 riot is perhaps the most notable example of how conspiracy theories can lead to violence: The thousands of people who stormed the Capitol and fought with police were motivated by Trumps election lies.
Such rapidly spreading disinformation fuels extremist groups and encourages distrust a particular concern during a year of big elections in the U.S. and other nations. Russia, China, Iran and other U.S. adversaries have worked to amplify conspiracy theories as a way to destabilize democracy further. Artificial intelligences ability to rapidly create lifelike video and audio only increases the challenge.
I think the post-truth world may be a lot closer than wed like to believe, said A.J. Nash, vice president for intelligence at ZeroFox, a cybersecurity firm that tracks disinformation. What happens when no one believes anything anymore?
As long as there have been conspiracy theories, people have tried to make a buck off of them. A century or more ago, peddlers went from town to town selling tonics and pills that they said could cure just about any problem. Nowadays, sales take place online. Business is booming.
There are supplements that claim to reverse aging, bogus treatments for COVID-19, T-shirts, investment scams claiming a new financial order is just around the corner.
The AP took a close look at conspiracy theories involving medbeds, which are futuristic-looking devices that believers think can reverse aging and cure a long list of illnesses. According to claims circulating online, the U.S. military is hiding the technology from the public but that Trump, if he wins another term as president, will make them available for free. For people desperate to find help with a medical condition, the claims can be too tempting to ignore.
There have always been hucksters selling medical cures, but I do feel like its accelerating, said Timothy Caulfield, a health policy and law professor at the University of Alberta who studies medical ethics and fraud. There are some forces driving that: obviously the internet and social media, and distrust of traditional medicine, traditional science. Conspiracy theories are creating and feeding this distrust.
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Takeaways from the AP's look at the role of conspiracy theories in American politics and society - DC News Now | Washington, DC