What Happens When Leaders Peddle Conspiracy Theories?

The conspiracy theorist in chief, in 2018 (public domain)

We’re living in what seems like a “golden age” for conspiracy theories. The internet allows them to spread at lightning speed, faster than traditional gatekeepers and fact checkers can act.

Algorithms designed to maximize clicks and engagement feed them to people on YouTube and Facebook. The failures of well-pedigreed experts — like the Iraq War and the 2008 financial…