By: Sara Rančigaj/Nova24TV
Along with the coronavirus epidemic, a wave of those spreading conspiracy theories has also spread. In addition to those who spread information on social networks, this time conspiracy theorists have become more targeted. This time the letter was addressed to teachers in schools, as they believe they are the foundation of knowledge which is transferred to their students. Experts warn not to fall prey to false assumptions and information. “These conspiracy theories cannot be addressed directly, they are whole constructs based on false assumptions, which, of course, mislead lay people because of their apparent erudition. The only way to control such opinions is to keep people well informed from the right sources,” said Bojana Beović for Nova24TV.
While we are witnessing censorship on social networks, a wave of those spreading conspiracy theories on the subject of coronavirus has spread. While some, on the one hand, lose the right to freedom of speech, on the other hand, there are individuals who want to impose separation and mistrust among people.
The conspiracy theorists of the coronavirus epidemic this time addressed a letter to teachers, believing that they themselves are the foundation of the knowledge that they pass on to children. Experts warn that such cases involve false constructs and assumptions that are spreading through various channels. With such claims and information, they are deliberately misleading the laity, which literally leads to non-compliance with measures and, consequently, further spread of the epidemic. The senders of the mentioned letter provide information, which, according to them, they are still looking for answers to their questions. “Because we know something is not right, but for the most part we are still looking for answers to questions about what is going on,” they wrote in a letter sent to nurses and teachers.
Misleading teachers who pass on knowledge to students in schools
“Teachers, even if the letter is addressed to virtually everyone, you are the pillar of society, you are raising new generations, one day they will grow up and shape our society, so it is important what values they have and what they know. I believe that everyone is doing their best to encourage critical thinking in schoolchildren and prepare people for independent living, where a lot of knowledge and questioning is needed,” they emphasise in the letter. Like conspiracy theorists, experts highlight that all the information received needs to be verified and understood, and we should not blindly trust conspiracy theorists who give their opinions without real evidence.
The letter goes on to claim that the richest earthlings, such as Bill Gates and the Rockefeller family, are behind the coronavirus epidemic. As they further point out, it was these individuals who invested the most money in the vaccine, which is expected to further increase their wealth. Thus, they are spreading information among the population that PCR tests are not reliable, as they stress that they do not provide the right information and that they cannot prove the existence of the virus. As conspiracy theorists have repeatedly pointed out in the past, these are no exception, as they also believe that wearing masks is harmful, and restrictive measures restrict freedom. Meanwhile, in Slovenia alone, at least 30 individuals die of coronavirus every day.
It is a false construct
We also sent the letter to the head of the covid-19 advisory group, Bojana Beović, and asked her to comment on the statements. Beović emphasises that these are constructs based on false assumptions, while they themselves pointed out in the letter that they are still looking for answers to questions. “These conspiracy theories cannot be addressed directly, they are whole constructs based on false assumptions, which, of course, mislead lay people because of their apparent erudition. The only way to control such opinions is to keep people well informed from the right sources,” Beović told for Nova24TV.