(CUI) APPROVED FOR RELEASE:
In 2016, a climate of misinformation was prevalent, particularly concerning the “Pizzagate” conspiracy theory. This unfounded theory alleged that a child sex trafficking ring was operating out of a Washington, D.C. pizzeria. The misinformation was primarily spread through social media platforms and fringe websites, gaining traction during the U.S. presidential election. Many factors contributed to the spread of this conspiracy, including echo chambers and confirmation bias, which reinforced people’s existing beliefs.
Misinformation in the form of manipulated or fabricated content, such as fake news articles and out-of-context emails, fueled the Pizzagate conspiracy. The story’s virality was a result of its sensational and salacious nature, playing into people’s fears and suspicions. This climate of misinformation ultimately had real-world consequences, as a believer of the conspiracy walked into the pizzeria with a firearm to “investigate,” highlighting the dangers of false information’s rapid dissemination in the digital age.