What is a 'conspiracy theory'?

You've heard the phrase before, but what does it really mean? Join Matt and Ben to learn more.

Here are the facts.

Join Ben and Matt to learn the Stuff They Don't Want You To Know about everything from ancient history to UFOs, government secrets, and the future of civilization.

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What is a "conspiracy theory"?

[AngeliseSage]

"What is a conspiracy theory?"

The "patriarchy".

[ZachKokiri]

"People make fun of the way I think, it must be a conspiracy"

lel

[crye]

a "conspiracy theory" is a theory involving a conspiracy.

[mrtavo]

I do not mind being called a "Conspiracy Theorist" by those that don't mind being called "Coincidence Theorists" John Judge

[sheet-son]

It's a term wannabe authoritarians made up to cast doubt on a person's character to make their claims seem ubsurd. If evidence of a conspiracy exists it's not just a theory, it's probable cause to investigate further. People who say "there are no conspiracies" are the same people who haven't had an original thought their entire lives.

[moonflowerljg]

I prefer the term "Critical Thinkers" to "Conspiracy Theorists."

[NewVoodooCity]

Another awesome episode, Ben & Matt! Your channel is "da bomb." 

[MrMohawk]

You guys have one of the best channels on youtube.

[hyrulianmesiah]

I have an idea for an episode: Stuff They Don't Want You To Know about Stuff They Don't Want You To Know! Perhaps a behind the scenes of how you guys do what you do so well. Or even in a format like this video and talk about how the show was in its infancy. Maybe some would disagree, but I don't think you'd be "jumping the shark" with an episode like that

[emperorjustinianIII]

On 1:44 you guys spelled newspeak as newsspeak which means something different. By the way I love that you include this book into your video.

[Innavata]

You guys should do a video on surveillance. Like drones, cell phones, internet and tracking devices in credit cards.

[MrRavenXavier]

I have a conspiracy theory for ya. How come Matt suddenly has a Justin Bieber haircut?

lol sorry Matt

[DashedSimpusMaximus]

Calling someone who believes or has proof for a conspiray theory, is like saying hes insane and is mentally unstable. without discussing the subject that is at hand.
Just another way of avoiding the critical points in a conversation that might hurt or offend people for a personal reason.
The beauty of politics, hidding true motives and money sources.

[Nipponshin]

Ben, I just want to say that you're doing a really good job. I have seen you in other channels and you never disappoint with the topics you cover.

[rbecktb]

A term for "conspiracy theorist" is conspiracy realist or truth seeker. Former FBI chief Ted Gunderson always called himself a conspiracy realist when idiots called him a "conspiracy theorist"

[Ryomaslade]

Very well thought out and sourced video, guys! Good to see Matt again on screen.

[djackklingler]

Christmas and birthdays are full of conspiracy theorists. LMFAO!

[ToadRoach]

Shouldn't they be really titled "Conspiracy Hypothesis" if you wanted to discredit them.
As giving them the title "Theory" is basically saying that you have no evidence to discredit them?

Is the term "Conspiracy Theory" used because they actually believe what it is saying, but for other reasons must be perceived to disbelieve?

[terryh.]

it's weird but, a lot of non-feminists tend to use 'feminist' as a buzzword when someone talks about equal rights for women. similar to how non-skeptics would use the word 'conspiracy theorist'.

[AnthroKnowledgey]

If I had a time machine, I would save JFK.