Denial as a Form of Adjusting to a Crisis Situation: Conspiracy Theories about the Coronavirus Pandemic among Internet Communities

Abstract

The paper explores the problem of conspiracy theories about the pandemic caused by the SARS-CoV-2, commonly known as the coronavirus. These theories have become a way of responding to the crisis situation and it is the definition of this phenomenon that is the starting point for further considerations. Later in the paper, we outline the role of the media in the era of the pandemic. We also define a conspiracy theory as a means to deny the situation as well as describe the most popular Internet conspiracy theories in Poland. The last part of the paper focuses on selected groups existing within Facebook, members of which are called "coronasceptics". In addition to observing the behavior of such communities, we also analyze the topics discussed by their most active members. Finally, we indicate the effects of creating and disseminating conspiracy theories about the coronavirus.