The contemporary flat Earth movement is driven by organized groups, public figures, and the dynamics of social media, resulting in a notable resurgence of these beliefs in the Internet era.

The most prominent organization is the **Flat Earth Society**, which maintains a global online presence and serves as a central hub for flat Earth theories and discussions, attracting members from various countries.

In the United States, the **Flat Earth International Conference (FEIC)** organizes events and gatherings, providing platforms for advocates to share ideas and experiences .

These organizations leverage social media to reach and connect with a worldwide audience, fostering a sense of community among believers .

**Public figures and celebrities** have played a significant role in amplifying flat Earth beliefs.

NBA player **Kyrie Irving** has repeatedly claimed the Earth is flat, sparking widespread discussion and controversy within the sports community.

NFL players such as **Darius Slay**, **Sammy Watkins**, and **Patrick Queen** have also publicly expressed belief in the flat Earth theory.

Travis and Jason Kelce, both NFL players, estimated that 10-20% of NFL players might privately hold such views .

In entertainment, rapper **B.o.B** has used social media to promote flat Earth ideas, while actress **Millie Bobby Brown** once expressed belief in the theory during her teenage years but later recanted .

Actor **Terrence Howard** has shared unconventional anti-scientific beliefs, including claims about gravity being fake, aligning with sentiments found in flat Earth circles .

**Arguments used by flat Earthers** include the claim that the horizon always appears flat and that water surfaces are level, which they argue contradicts a spherical Earth.

They assert that if the Earth were truly a globe, the curvature would be visible, and they often claim that photographic evidence from space is fabricated as part of a conspiracy by governments and scientific institutions.

The contemporary flat Earth movement is driven by organized groups, public figures, and the dynamics of social media, resulting in a notable resurgence of these beliefs in the Internet era.

The most prominent organization is the **Flat Earth Society**, which maintains a global online presence and serves as a central hub for flat Earth theories and discussions, attracting members from various countries.

In the United States, the **Flat Earth International Conference (FEIC)** organizes events and gatherings, providing platforms for advocates to share ideas and experiences .

Title:

Content: Anda sedang membaca tafsir untuk sekelompok ayat dari 2:8 hingga 2:13
وَمِنَ
النَّاسِ
مَنْ
یَّقُوْلُ
اٰمَنَّا
بِاللّٰهِ
وَبِالْیَوْمِ
الْاٰخِرِ
وَمَا
هُمْ
بِمُؤْمِنِیْنَ
۟ۘ
یُخٰدِعُوْنَ
اللّٰهَ
وَالَّذِیْنَ
اٰمَنُوْا ۚ
وَمَا
یَخْدَعُوْنَ
اِلَّاۤ
اَنْفُسَهُمْ
وَمَا
یَشْعُرُوْنَ
۟ؕ
فِیْ
قُلُوْبِهِمْ
مَّرَضٌ ۙ
فَزَادَهُمُ
اللّٰهُ
مَرَضًا ۚ
وَلَهُمْ
عَذَابٌ
اَلِیْمٌ ۙ۬۟ 
بِمَا
كَانُوْا
یَكْذِبُوْنَ
۟
وَاِذَا
قِیْلَ
لَهُمْ
لَا
تُفْسِدُوْا
فِی
الْاَرْضِ ۙ
قَالُوْۤا
اِنَّمَا
نَحْنُ
مُصْلِحُوْنَ
۟
اَلَاۤ
اِنَّهُمْ
هُمُ
الْمُفْسِدُوْنَ
وَلٰكِنْ
لَّا
یَشْعُرُوْنَ
۟
وَاِذَا
قِیْلَ
لَهُمْ
اٰمِنُوْا
كَمَاۤ
اٰمَنَ
النَّاسُ
قَالُوْۤا
اَنُؤْمِنُ
كَمَاۤ
اٰمَنَ
السُّفَهَآءُ ؕ
اَلَاۤ
اِنَّهُمْ
هُمُ
السُّفَهَآءُ
وَلٰكِنْ
لَّا
یَعْلَمُوْنَ
۟
3

For those who put worldly interests and expediency first, total and unconditional devotion to truth appears unwise, for their true allegiance is to their worldly interests; only on a superficial level can they attach themselves to the truth. They consider themselves clever. They think they are safeguarding themselves in this world, and also qualifying to be considered among the pious. But this is no more than wishful thinking; it is a figment of their imagination rather than a real fact of life. Every test in life removes them further from the path of true religion and brings them closer to their own world-oriented ‘religion’. Their hypocrisy is like a cancer which keeps on growing. They consider true believers, who act in the interests of truth, to be ruining themselves for no good reason. They call their own policy, on the other hand, one of reform; they prize it because it enables them to pursue a safe course without clashing with anyone; but this just shows how distorted their reasoning is. If they were to think deeply, they would realize that on earth reform can only come from man giving himself up to God alone, while obstructing any movement aimed at consolidating man’s relationship with the will of his Lord amounts to creating disorder on earth. Their seemingly profitable business is in fact running at a loss. For, they are forsaking pure truth for an adulterated version of it, which can benefit none.

These organizations leverage social media to reach and connect with a worldwide audience, fostering a sense of community among believers .

Title:

Content: 9 of TikTok's most controversial and viral conspiracies - including Area 51, One Direction and JonBenét Ramsey

These are the top nine viral conspiracy theories which are being discussed on TikTok right now - including theories about celebrities and mythical creatures
Watch more of our videos on Shots!
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Visit Shots! now

From secret societies to extraterrestrial enigmas, people like to discuss conspiracy theories. There are many things which do not make sense in this world, and some things which have had people stumped for decades. In some cases, people hope to finally uncover the truth behind some unsolved mysteries, and in others they are convinced something is being hidden.

To find out what the most widely discussed conspiracy theories are in 2024, VegasSlotsOnline has analysed the number of TikTok hashtags for over 45 of the biggest conspiracy theories worldwide, to determine the most popular conspiracies of 2024. The following are the nine top theories which have gone viral on the popular social media platform.

Illuminati

The Illuminati were originally a secret society founded in Bavaria in the 1700s, intending to replace Christianity with a “religion of reason”. The group was said to be shut down by the government after a decade, but some conspiracy theorists believe the society still exists today - and not only that it's operating in secret with a plan to take over the world. Famous figures accused of being part of the Illuminati include US presidents, pop singers and actors.

27 club

Despite sounding like a fun, exclusive society, the 27 Club definitely isn’t one you would want to be in. The name refers to a list of celebrities who have also passed away at age 27, including Jimi Hendrix, Jean-Michel Basquiat, Kurt Cobain, and Amy Winehouse, to name just a few.

Area 51

Area 51 refers to a highly classified United States Air Force facility in Nevada, and it’s very real. The conspiracy theories behind it, however, may not be. The base’s top-secret nature has led to a range of wild theories over the years, with the most popular being that it’s used to carry out research on UFOs and extraterrestrial beings that the US government is keeping under wraps.

JonBenét Ramsey is alive

JonBenét Ramsey, aged 6, was supposedly killed in her family home in 1996. Her killer has never been officially identified, but there are many unusual details about the case, such as a ransom note found in the family’s home, that have sparked a range of popular theories over the years. One particularly outlandish theory is that JonBenét has not died and is actually still alive, despite evidence to the contrary.

'Larries'

‘Larries’ are hardcore One Direction fans who support the idea that Harry Styles and Louis Tomlinson, former bandmates of the hugely popular boyband, are in a romantic relationship. Despite the two artists repeatedly denying these claims, many fans are still insistent that the band’s former management encouraged the pair to keep their relationship secret. Styles is dating model and actress Taylor Russell. Tomlinson is said to be growing close to his on/off girlfriend Eleanor Calder again.

Murder of John Lennon

Beatles musician John Lennon was fatally shot in December 1980 at the age of 40 by an enraged fan. Ever since, conspiracy theories suggesting that the CIA were involved in his death have sprung up in various places, including books and documentaries. The CIA and FBI kept eyes on Lennon due to his left-wing activism, and theorists have suggested that his murderer, Mark Chapman, was operating on their behalf.

BigFoot

The legend of BigFoot dates back thousands of years and is now a modern household name. Theorists believe that a dangerous ape-like creature exists in the forests of North America, occasionally revealing itself to hikers and campers. Many have shared supposed encounters in the form of giant footprints and blurry photographs, though there is still no credible evidence to prove the creature’s existence.

Planet X

Planet X, sometimes known as the Nibiru cataclysm, is a doomsday conspiracy theory with roots in the early 20th century. Its believers theorise that an undiscovered large planet in our solar system will, at some point, collide with Earth. This hypothetical planet is not recognised in mainstream astronomy, however, and is generally rejected by the scientific community for lacking substantial evidence.

Flat earth

One of social media’s most prevalent conspiracy theories is that the Earth is flat in shape rather than a sphere. Many ‘flat earthers’ reject scientific evidence, such as gravity and satellite imagery, with some even suggesting that governments and corporations are keeping the earth’s flat shape a secret from the masses. The flat earth theory is frequently disproved as it contradicts solid scientific principles.

**Public figures and celebrities** have played a significant role in amplifying flat Earth beliefs.

NBA player **Kyrie Irving** has repeatedly claimed the Earth is flat, sparking widespread discussion and controversy within the sports community.

NFL players such as **Darius Slay**, **Sammy Watkins**, and **Patrick Queen** have also publicly expressed belief in the flat Earth theory.

Travis and Jason Kelce, both NFL players, estimated that 10-20% of NFL players might privately hold such views .

Title:

Content: “Everyone Gets Hit in the Head”: Travis and Jason Kelce Boldly Claim 20% NFL Players Are Flat-Earthers

Samnur Reza
Published

Eight-time NBA All-Star and Mavericks point guard, Kyrie Irving, has time and time again claimed that the earth is flat. Sadly, this belief is widely held around the globe. When discussing the same and if there are NFL players who also call themselves flat-earthers behind closed doors, Jason Kelce and his brother Travis boldly claimed that a good chunk of the NFL locker room actually believes the earth to be flat.

During a recent episode of the New Heights podcast with comedian Andrew Santino at the discussion table, the younger Kelce said, “We’ve mentioned on the show that conspiracy theories help bring NFL locker rooms together,” before asking the guest, “What are your conspiracy theories?”

Without skipping a beat, Santino posed the question about what percentage of NFL players actually believe in the Flat Earth theory. In response, Travis claimed that at least 10 to 15 athletes in every locker room are flat-earthers. Jason Kelce, however, added that if someone were to conduct an anonymous poll about it, the number of flat-earth believers could potentially jump up to 20%, equating to approximately 11 players out of a 53-man roster.

“Dude, honestly, there are at least 10 to 15 guys in every locker room; I would imagine,” Travis remarked, followed by Jason adding, “If you took an anonymous poll like nobody had to disclose their name or anything like that, you’re over 15% of an NFL locker room… Maybe over 20.”

This revelation baffled the Ricky Stanicky actor, but Travis consoled him by jokingly saying, “Dude, everyone gets hit in the head.” Nevertheless, while the Kelce duo’s numbers may be somewhat exaggerated, there have been some instances when NFL players have openly admitted believing in the earth being flat.

Darius Slay, Sammy Watkins, and Others Are Flat-Earthers

As per Sports Illustrated, free agent wide receiver Sammy Watkins claimed back in 2017 that the earth is flat. But he isn’t the only NFL athlete on that list, as Eagles CB Darius Slay told Tori Petry of DetroitLions.com back in 2018 that the earth is flat.

“I mean, I think it is (flat), we’re walking flat, so how is it round?,” claimed the All-Pro cornerback.

Steelers linebacker Patrick Queen followed suit just last year and claimed the same thing. “PSA,” Queen wrote in a tweet. “Earth is flat. Thank you. Carry on!!”

The list goes on! Former Texas Tech safety, Tyler Owens, apparently told reporters at the Scouting Combine that he doesn’t believe in space or any other planets. Thus, he finds the Flat Earth Theory ‘interesting’ and ‘valid’.

“Nah, I don’t believe in space…. like, you know, I’m religious, so I think like… we’re on our own right now. I don’t think there’s, like, other planets, and stuff like that. I don’t know,” Owens said, as per DailyMail.

Even Seahawks QB Geno Smith has claimed that the whole thing is still up for debate. Moreover, Jason Kelce once revealed that, out of curiosity, he had asked one of his coaches about the Flat Earth Theory and if anyone believed in it. Right there and then, an athlete nearby said, “I mean how you know it isn’t?”

Despite its absurdity, the debate will rage on till the end of time, it seems. However, there are simple experiments that can be conducted in front of a flat-earther to convince them otherwise, as perfectly demonstrated by Wired.

About the author

Samnur Reza

Samnur Reza, or "Rocky," is an NFL editor for the SportsRush. Although his love for football began with Tom Brady, he’s now a devoted fan of Jalen Hurts and is keeping his fingers crossed for the first ring. When asked how he remains loyal to the Eagles, he channels his inner Jim from The Office and responds, 'On a wing and a prayer.' Much like his love for football, Rocky is a dedicated cinephile with an impressive amount of screen time. He’s also fond of cats and has a furry friend named ‘Eva’.

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What could be the estimated percentage of American football players who believe the Earth is flat?

In entertainment, rapper **B.o.B** has used social media to promote flat Earth ideas, while actress **Millie Bobby Brown** once expressed belief in the theory during her teenage years but later recanted .

Title:

Content: Terrence Howard shares bizarre conspiracy theories on Joe Rogan Podcast, ‘Everyone is wrong’ - Hindustan Times

Terrence Howard shares bizarre conspiracy theories on Joe Rogan Podcast, ‘Everyone is wrong’

ByArya Vaishnavi
May 22, 2024 10:19 PM IST

Howard kicked off the interview, saying he remembers everything from the time he was in his mother's womb

Terrence Howard is famed for being outspoken about his unconventional beliefs and conspiracy theories. Not afraid of speaking his mind, the Iron Man star spoke at length about gravity being fake and how he had retained the memories of being in his mother's womb on the Joe Rogan Podcast. The 55-year-old actor's bizarre claims seemingly left the podcaster taken aback as Rogan told him, “If you’re right, so many people are wrong.”

‘Everyone is wrong’ according to Terrence Howard

Howard kicked off the interview, saying he remembers everything from the time he was in his mother's womb. “I didn't wake up here, I was inside my mother's womb, I was like 'don't forget, don't forget, don't forget.'” He continued, “I remember being circumcised. I remember the whole nine.”

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Justifying his theories, the Triumph star told Rogan that “everyone is wrong,” adding, “The universe backs me up.” Continuing his streak of conspiracy theories, Howard told Rogan, “Straight lines are an illusion...if you look at it from the side, from its real perspective, you see that it's not.''”

Howard then went on to refute the Pythagoras Theorem and the Periodic Table. The Gully star continued to add that he could “rebuild Saturn without gravity.” “We’re about to kill gravity. We’re about to kill their God, gravity, and they don’t want that,” Howard told Rogan.

“And it has the rings with no animation. It has the rings and the hexagon that’s observed at the very top of it without dark matter, without dark energy, without gravity, showing that it’s an outward, inward, outward force pushing down that creates the planet,” he continued.

In an open challenge to scientists, physicists, and mathematicians, the Cut Throat City star said, “You have all of these physicists saying something different but none of them have 97 patents. None of them have introduced a new form of flight.” Howard explained how he holds the patent for Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality, which is cited by 31 companies, including Microsoft, Amazon, and Sony.

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Actor **Terrence Howard** has shared unconventional anti-scientific beliefs, including claims about gravity being fake, aligning with sentiments found in flat Earth circles .

Title:

Content: 4 years later, Millie Bobby Brown turns to her flat Earth theory, stating that she believes in this theory

0

Once a flatlander, Millie Bobby Brown has changed her mind. The actress got a role in the Netflix series “Stranger Things” at the age of thirteen for the role of Eleven. Basically, she grew up in the spotlight. Today, she is well aware of the pros and cons of growing up as a star child, because when she once expressed her opinion about the Flat Earth theory, the trolls did not spare her.

The energetic actress not only knows how to play, but is also confident in her opinion. Perhaps this is what led to her rapid success. She grew up on the path to her success, from participating in a sci-fi show to starring in Enola Holmes. Now she had a great opportunity to prove her changed views on the theory of a flat Earth.

How Millie Bobby Brown Changed Her Mind about the Flat Earth Theory

Millie Bobby Brown proved that she no longer believes in the theory of the flight of the Earth. During a recent interview with Vanity Fair, she took a lie detector test. During this, she touched on the topic of how she believed in the flat Earth theory when she was fourteen. Brown was asked if she still believes in the theory of a flat Earth, to which she replied bluntly “no.” A lie detector test decides whether it was true or not.

It was established that she was telling the truth. Perhaps it brought relief to herself and the people around her. But the 18-year-old girl added a comment to her answer. A curious teenager said: “I haven’t seen it yet,” talking about how she searches for the earth curve while on a plane.

Then the actress again gave several answers that could have been lies, and the results showed that she was truthful. At the age of fourteen, she was on Tik-Tok for a live broadcast when a fan asked her about the flat Earth theory. Now the actress has clearly transformed. Host Enola Holmes 2 was interviewed everywhere for her film with Henry Cavill, which was released in theaters on October 27.

Do you think her answer about the flat earth was sincere? Give your thoughts in the comments.

**Arguments used by flat Earthers** include the claim that the horizon always appears flat and that water surfaces are level, which they argue contradicts a spherical Earth.

They assert that if the Earth were truly a globe, the curvature would be visible, and they often claim that photographic evidence from space is fabricated as part of a conspiracy by governments and scientific institutions.


The contemporary flat Earth movement has experienced a significant resurgence in the Internet era, with its growth and visibility closely tied to the rise of social media platforms and online communities.

The movement is not a monolithic entity but rather a network of organizations, public figures, and loosely affiliated groups that propagate flat Earth beliefs across various countries, often leveraging digital tools to connect and mobilize adherents .

**Organizations and Groups** The most prominent organization is the Flat Earth Society, which maintains a substantial online presence and serves as a central hub for flat Earth resources, discussions, and advocacy.

The Society operates internationally, with local chapters and affiliated groups in countries such as the United States, United Kingdom, and Canada, among others .

In addition to the Flat Earth Society, the Flat Earth International Conference (FEIC) is a notable annual event that gathers proponents from around the world to share ideas, present arguments, and foster community .

Other groups, such as Flat Earth Nation, operate primarily through social media platforms like YouTube, BitChute, Facebook, and Reddit, where they disseminate content, organize meetups, and recruit new members .

These organizations and online communities often overlap with faith-based and spiritual groups, using moral and emotional language to appeal to members and reinforce group identity .

**Public Figures and Celebrity Endorsements** The movement’s visibility has been amplified by endorsements or expressions of belief from several public figures and celebrities.

NBA player Kyrie Irving has publicly claimed that the Earth is flat, a statement that generated widespread media coverage and debate within the sports world .

NFL players Travis and Jason Kelce have discussed on their podcast that 10-20% of NFL players might believe in the flat Earth theory, suggesting the idea has some traction even among professional athletes .

Rapper B.o.B has also publicly supported flat Earth theories, using his platform to promote these ideas .

Actress Millie Bobby Brown once expressed belief in the flat Earth theory during her teenage years but later publicly renounced this view, indicating a shift in perspective after facing public scrutiny .

Other figures, such as actor Terrence Howard, have made unconventional claims that resonate with conspiracy theorists, including questioning the existence of gravity .

Social media influencers on platforms like YouTube and TikTok have further amplified the movement’s reach, attracting large followings by promoting flat Earth content .

**Arguments Used by Flat-Earthers** Flat Earth proponents employ a range of arguments, often rooted in personal observation, misinterpretation of scientific principles, and conspiracy thinking.

A central claim is that the horizon always appears flat to the naked eye, and if the Earth were truly spherical, a noticeable curvature would be visible .

They argue that water surfaces are always level and do not curve, which they contend contradicts the globe model .

Many flat Earthers reject the existence of gravity, claiming it is a fabricated concept designed to support the globe model, and instead attribute the falling of objects to density .

Satellite images and space missions are frequently dismissed as manipulated or fabricated by governments and corporations, with some claiming that astronauts train in swimming pools rather than vacuum chambers to perpetuate the illusion of space travel .

Flat Earthers often cite perceived inconsistencies in space imagery and videos as evidence of a global conspiracy involving governments, scientists, and space agencies to conceal the "truth" about the Earth's shape .

Some adherents also base their beliefs on specific interpretations of religious texts, linking flat Earth views to biblical prophecies and spiritual narratives, particularly within certain Christian communities .

**Reasons for the Resurgence** The revival of flat Earth beliefs in a technologically advanced society is driven by several interrelated factors.

Social media platforms such as YouTube, Facebook, TikTok, and Reddit have created echo chambers where flat Earth content can spread rapidly and be reinforced without critical challenge .

Algorithms on these platforms often promote sensational or controversial content, increasing the visibility and appeal of fringe theories .

The "rabbit hole" effect of repeated exposure to reinforcing content deepens individuals' commitment to conspiracy theories .

A growing distrust in scientific institutions, government agencies, and mainstream media has led some individuals to seek alternative explanations for natural phenomena, fostering receptiveness to conspiracy theories .

This skepticism is especially prevalent among certain political groups, such as Millennials and supporters of former President Trump, who have shown higher acceptance of conspiracy theories, including flat Earth ideas .

The movement also appeals to individuals who feel marginalized, disenfranchised, or alienated, offering a sense of community, identity, and empowerment through rejection of mainstream science .

Psychologically, belief in conspiracy theories, including flat Earth ideas, is linked to needs for certainty, cognitive closure, and control in an uncertain world .

**Characteristics of Flat Earth Believers** Research indicates that individuals most likely to subscribe to flat Earth beliefs often share certain demographic and psychological traits.

Younger individuals, particularly Millennials and Gen Z, are more likely to adopt conspiracy theories, including flat Earth beliefs, partly due to their high engagement with social media platforms where such content proliferates .

There is a noted correlation between flat Earth beliefs and conservative political views, suggesting these beliefs may be more prevalent among certain political groups .

Many adherents tend to have lower levels of formal education, especially in scientific disciplines, which may contribute to their acceptance of alternative theories .

Flat Earth believers often exhibit a pronounced distrust of scientific consensus and authority figures, viewing them as part of a larger conspiracy .

Participation in the flat Earth movement frequently fulfills social needs by providing a sense of belonging and identity within a like-minded community, especially for those who feel marginalized or disenfranchised by societal norms .

Psychologically, those who feel disillusioned, anxious, or powerless may be more inclined to adopt conspiracy theories like flat Earth beliefs, as these provide a sense of control or understanding in an uncertain world .

**Conventions and Events** Flat Earth conventions and events play a crucial role in fostering community among believers, promoting their views, and providing a platform for discussion and dissemination of flat Earth theories.

Notable events include the Flat Earth International Conference, which has been held in countries such as the United States and Canada, attracting both supporters and skeptics .

These gatherings often include speakers, workshops, and discussions focused on flat Earth theory, its implications, and the community’s perspectives .

The community aspect of these events is significant, as they foster a strong sense of belonging and shared identity among participants, appealing especially to individuals who feel marginalized or skeptical of mainstream narratives .

An example of cultural engagement with the movement is the "Flat Earth VR" project showcased at the 2022 Sundance Film Festival, which explored the diversity of flat Earth beliefs and highlighted that the movement is not united by a single belief but rather by a shared disbelief in mainstream science .

**Media Representation and Impact** Media portrayals of flat Earth beliefs often frame them as fringe or absurd, which can lead to dismissive attitudes toward believers.

However, this coverage can inadvertently legitimize the movement by drawing attention to it, potentially increasing interest and recruitment among those alienated by mainstream narratives .

The presence of flat Earth discussions in popular culture, podcasts, and film festivals further amplifies the movement’s visibility .

The movement’s arguments, rooted in conspiracy theories and pseudoscience, reject established scientific facts and can undermine scientific literacy and critical thinking skills, particularly among young people exposed to

The contemporary flat Earth movement has experienced a significant resurgence in the Internet era, with its growth and visibility closely tied to the rise of social media platforms and online communities.

The contemporary flat Earth movement has experienced a significant resurgence in the Internet era, with its growth and visibility closely tied to the rise of social media platforms and online communities.

The contemporary flat Earth movement has experienced a significant resurgence in the Internet era, with its growth and visibility closely tied to the rise of social media platforms and online communities.

The movement is not a monolithic entity but rather a network of organizations, public figures, and loosely affiliated groups that propagate flat Earth beliefs across various countries, often leveraging digital tools to connect and mobilize adherents .

Title:

Content: 9 of TikTok's most controversial and viral conspiracies - including Area 51, One Direction and JonBenét Ramsey

These are the top nine viral conspiracy theories which are being discussed on TikTok right now - including theories about celebrities and mythical creatures
Watch more of our videos on Shots!
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

From secret societies to extraterrestrial enigmas, people like to discuss conspiracy theories. There are many things which do not make sense in this world, and some things which have had people stumped for decades. In some cases, people hope to finally uncover the truth behind some unsolved mysteries, and in others they are convinced something is being hidden.

To find out what the most widely discussed conspiracy theories are in 2024, VegasSlotsOnline has analysed the number of TikTok hashtags for over 45 of the biggest conspiracy theories worldwide, to determine the most popular conspiracies of 2024. The following are the nine top theories which have gone viral on the popular social media platform.

Illuminati

The Illuminati were originally a secret society founded in Bavaria in the 1700s, intending to replace Christianity with a “religion of reason”. The group was said to be shut down by the government after a decade, but some conspiracy theorists believe the society still exists today - and not only that it's operating in secret with a plan to take over the world. Famous figures accused of being part of the Illuminati include US presidents, pop singers and actors.

27 club

Despite sounding like a fun, exclusive society, the 27 Club definitely isn’t one you would want to be in. The name refers to a list of celebrities who have also passed away at age 27, including Jimi Hendrix, Jean-Michel Basquiat, Kurt Cobain, and Amy Winehouse, to name just a few.

Area 51

Area 51 refers to a highly classified United States Air Force facility in Nevada, and it’s very real. The conspiracy theories behind it, however, may not be. The base’s top-secret nature has led to a range of wild theories over the years, with the most popular being that it’s used to carry out research on UFOs and extraterrestrial beings that the US government is keeping under wraps.

JonBenét Ramsey is alive

JonBenét Ramsey, aged 6, was supposedly killed in her family home in 1996. Her killer has never been officially identified, but there are many unusual details about the case, such as a ransom note found in the family’s home, that have sparked a range of popular theories over the years. One particularly outlandish theory is that JonBenét has not died and is actually still alive, despite evidence to the contrary.

'Larries'

‘Larries’ are hardcore One Direction fans who support the idea that Harry Styles and Louis Tomlinson, former bandmates of the hugely popular boyband, are in a romantic relationship. Despite the two artists repeatedly denying these claims, many fans are still insistent that the band’s former management encouraged the pair to keep their relationship secret. Styles is dating model and actress Taylor Russell. Tomlinson is said to be growing close to his on/off girlfriend Eleanor Calder again.

Murder of John Lennon

Beatles musician John Lennon was fatally shot in December 1980 at the age of 40 by an enraged fan. Ever since, conspiracy theories suggesting that the CIA were involved in his death have sprung up in various places, including books and documentaries. The CIA and FBI kept eyes on Lennon due to his left-wing activism, and theorists have suggested that his murderer, Mark Chapman, was operating on their behalf.

BigFoot

The legend of BigFoot dates back thousands of years and is now a modern household name. Theorists believe that a dangerous ape-like creature exists in the forests of North America, occasionally revealing itself to hikers and campers. Many have shared supposed encounters in the form of giant footprints and blurry photographs, though there is still no credible evidence to prove the creature’s existence.

Planet X

Planet X, sometimes known as the Nibiru cataclysm, is a doomsday conspiracy theory with roots in the early 20th century. Its believers theorise that an undiscovered large planet in our solar system will, at some point, collide with Earth. This hypothetical planet is not recognised in mainstream astronomy, however, and is generally rejected by the scientific community for lacking substantial evidence.

Flat earth

One of social media’s most prevalent conspiracy theories is that the Earth is flat in shape rather than a sphere. Many ‘flat earthers’ reject scientific evidence, such as gravity and satellite imagery, with some even suggesting that governments and corporations are keeping the earth’s flat shape a secret from the masses. The flat earth theory is frequently disproved as it contradicts solid scientific principles.

Title:

Content: Support Your Freedom to Speak:
The Moon Is Made Of Plasma (Ancient Mystery Teacher, FEN, VOC, AWR)
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FLATEARTH NATIONS
Published Yesterday |

Thanks to Ancient Mystery Teacher @TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ancientmysteryteacher/

PLASMA MOON And GREATER WORLD MAP
https://www.bitchute.com/video/eIg05MTfbhZ3/
GREATER WORLD MAP And MACROCLIMATE CHANGE
https://www.bitchute.com/video/OFBL8gK0kszq/
Great Conspiracy Behind Great Reset
https://www.bitchute.com/video/RAJphd6FD618/
All The Moon Landings/Missions Were Faked To Hide This Fact
https://www.bitchute.com/video/cm4MJVXnfu6I/

Download the above videos (higher resolution):
PLASMA MOON And GREATER WORLD MAP
https://archive.org/details/plasma-moon
GREATER WORLD MAP And MACROCLIMATE CHANGE
https://archive.org/details/macro-climate-change
Great Conspiracy Behind Great Reset
https://archive.org/details/great-conspiracy
All The Moon Landings/Missions Were Faked To Hide This Fact
https://archive.org/details/moon-mirrors-earth

FLATEARTH NATIONS
WordPress: https://flatearthnations.wordpress.com
BitChute: https://www.bitchute.com/channel/flatearth-nations
Brighteon: https://www.brighteon.com/channels/flatearthnations
VIBES OF COSMOS
Mountaindub: https://mountaindub.bandcamp.com
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@VIBESOFCOSMOS
Odysee: https://odysee.com/@VibesOfCosmos:4
AEWAR
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@aewaranon

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hoaxnasaapolloflat earthmoon landingfake spaceplasma moonartermis

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Content: Support Your Freedom to Speak:
Eclipse Shadow Proves the Moon is NOT a Sphere - Case Closed
America at War
78 Subscribers
121 views
Published 16 hours ago

This guy done a great job demonstrating that shadows PROVE the moon is not a sphere!

And he makes an excellent point that artists have "Eyes trained to SEE" also!

He's a kind of "New Age" guy, so be careful if you watch any of his other videos. I believe my bible! You can keep your "knowledge" of that type!

I'm not trying to knock him though, he's walking his path.
He did an excellent job on this video!

So go by his channel and give the video a "like" and SHARE!
Just always use your discernment and keep to your biblical principles!

original video:
MOON NOT A SPHERE | Shadow is the smoking gun | Flat Earth
https://youtu.be/pYPCJGeihyY

If my channel should disappear you can find me on these other platforms too

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Xephula  https://xephula.com/TexasOutlaw

You can support the channel at: cash-app $TexasOutlaw503
This is as close as I can get to a can by the door ;)

Live and speak the TRUTH!

Keywords
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**Organizations and Groups** The most prominent organization is the Flat Earth Society, which maintains a substantial online presence and serves as a central hub for flat Earth resources, discussions, and advocacy.

**Organizations and Groups** The most prominent organization is the Flat Earth Society, which maintains a substantial online presence and serves as a central hub for flat Earth resources, discussions, and advocacy.

**Organizations and Groups** The most prominent organization is the Flat Earth Society, which maintains a substantial online presence and serves as a central hub for flat Earth resources, discussions, and advocacy.

The Society operates internationally, with local chapters and affiliated groups in countries such as the United States, United Kingdom, and Canada, among others .

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Content: Last Chance To Dance! 2022 Sundance Film Festival Coming To A Close

Posted by Larry Gleeson

2022 Sundance Film Festival Awards Announcement, Satellite Screenings, & Final Day on the New Frontier Spaceship Top Highlights of the Ninth Day of Festival Programming

PARK CITY, UT (January 29, 2022) – Sundance Film Festival welcomed audiences to its ninth day of screenings and conversations featuring some of the most notable visionaries in independent film, new media, and culture-at-large.

The festival announced the Audience Awards alongside Grand Jury and Special Jury Prizes for films in the U.S. Dramatic, U.S. Documentary, World Dramatic, and World Documentary Competitions, NEXT, and the Short Film program. Winners included Nanny (U.S. Dramatic), The Exiles (U.S. Documentary), All That Breathes (World Cinema Documentary), Utama (World Cinema Dramatic), Cha Cha Real Smooth (Audience Award, U.S. Dramatic) and Navalny (Audience Award, U.S. Documentary; Festival Favorite Award). All winners are detailed here. Screenings of the award-winning films will play online all weekend long.

The New Frontier Spaceship also celebrated its last day in orbit with Artist Spotlights and an open discussion hosted by Amelia Winger-Bearskin and Jesse Damiani on NFTs, cryptocurrencies, and the rapid proliferation of decentralized, autonomous organizations (DAOs).

The festival’s Satellite Screens kicked off yesterday as well. From Maryland to California, eight feature films from the 2022 lineup are playing this weekend at seven partner locations around the country where they are celebrating independent film and supporting like-minded arthouse theaters.

Each year, Sundance serves as a cultural launchpad, helping to expand audience horizons through film and the conversations that occur the minute that credits roll. Continuing to foster this spirit of discussion into 2022, Sundance Film Festival programs a series of panels across discipline and topics to keep the conversation going.

DAY NINE HIGHLIGHTS

  • 2022 SUNDANCE FILM FESTIVAL AWARDS
    • U.S. Grand Jury Prize: Dramatic: Nikyatu Jusu for Nanny
    • U.S. Grand Jury Prize: Documentary: Ben Klein and Violet Columbus for The Exiles
    • World Cinema Grand Jury Prize: Dramatic: Alejandro Loayza Grisi for Utama
    • World Cinema Grand Jury Prize: Documentary: Shaunak Sen for All That Breathes
    • Audience Award: U.S. Documentary: Navalny
    • Audience Award: U.S. Dramatic: Cha Cha Real Smooth
    • Audience Award: World Cinema Dramatic: Girl Picture
    • Audience Award: World Cinema Documentary: The Territory
    • Audience Award: NEXT: Framing Agnes
    • Festival Favorite Award: Navalny
    • Directing Award: U.S. Documentary: Reid Davenport for I Didn’t See You There
    • Directing Award: U.S. Dramatic: Jamie Dack for Palm Trees and Power Lines
    • World Cinema Documentary: Simon Lereng Wilmont for A House Made Of Splinters
    • Directing Award: World Cinema Dramatic: Maryna Er Gorbach for KLONDIKE
    • Waldo Salt Screenwriting Award: U.S. Dramatic: K.D. Dávila for Emergency
    • Jonathan Oppenheim Editing Award: U.S. Documentary: Erin Casper and Jocelyne Chaput for Fire Of Love
    • U.S. Dramatic Special Jury Award: Uncompromising Artistic Vision: Bradley Rust Gray for blood
    • U.S. Dramatic Special Jury Award: Ensemble Cast: John Boyega, Nicole Beharie, Selenis Leyva, Connie Britton, Olivia Washington, London Covington, and Michael K Williams for 892
    • U.S. Documentary Special Jury Award: Impact for Change: Aftershock
    • U.S. Documentary Special Jury Award: Creative Vision: Descendant
    • World Cinema Documentary Special Jury Award: Documentary Craft: The Territory
    • World Cinema Documentary Special Jury Award: Excellence In Verité Filmmaking: Midwives
    • World Cinema Dramatic Special Jury Award: Innovative Spirit: Leonor Will Never Die
    • World Cinema Dramatic Special Jury Award: Acting: Teresa Sánchez for Dos Estaciones
    • NEXT Innovator Award presented by Adobe: Framing Agnes
    • Short Film Grand Jury Prize: The Headhunter’s Daughter
    • Short Film Jury Award: U.S. Fiction: IF I GO WILL THEY MISS ME
    • Short Film Jury Award: International Fiction: Dania Bdeir for Warsha
    • Short Film Jury Award: Nonfiction: Samir Karahoda for Displaced
    • Short Film Jury Award: Animation: Joe Hsieh for Night Bus
    • Short Film Special Jury Award: Ensemble Cast: Zélia Duncan, Bruna Linzmeyer, Camila Rocha, Clarissa Ribeiro, and Lorre Motta for A wild patience has taken me here
    • Short Film Special Jury Award: Screenwriting: Sara Driver for Stranger Than Rotterdam with Sara Driver
    • Previously announced:
      • 2022 Alfred P. Sloan Feature Film Prize: After Yang
      • Sundance Institute | Amazon Studios Producers Award for Nonfiction: Su Kim for Free Chol Soo Lee
      • Sundance Institute | Amazon Studios Producers Award for Fiction: Amanda Marshall God’s Country
      • Sundance Institute | Adobe Mentorship Award for Editing Nonfiction: Toby Shimin
      • Sundance Institute | Adobe Mentorship Award for Editing Fiction: Dody Dorn
      • Sundance Institute | NHK Award: Hasan Hadi for The President’s Cake
  • NEW FRONTIER ARTIST SPOTLIGHT
    • FLAT EARTH VR
      • Lucas Rizzotto (Lead Artist) shared insight on how the project started as a joke in response to the idea that VR is an “empathy machine,” and asked whether that is still the case when the premise is entirely delusional.
      • Lucas discussed how he actually consulted flat Earthers in designing the experience and learned that ultimately, “flat Earthers are not united by their belief, but by their disbelief.” There is no singular coherent flat Earth theory and everyone has different ideas of what a flat Earth means and looks like.
      • Lucas also expressed concern about VR propaganda, and how XR creators could use their work to spread misinformation and emotionally manipulate and control audiences in showing them a “reality” regardless of whether or not it’s based in truth. He urged XR creators to be mindful of the impact their work could have and how it may be used by others in a way they might not have intended.

HOW TO PARTICIPATE

The Festival takes place digitally via our enhanced online platform at Festival.Sundance.org, on the New Frontier Spaceship, a bespoke immersive platform allowing festival-goers to gather virtually, and in-person at seven Satellite Screens venues around the country during the Festival’s second weekend. Additional programming includes a daily talk show (“How to Fest: Daily”), and Satellite Screen conversations as well as partner offerings in the Festival Village.To note, all talks are available online via live stream or posted later on festival.sundance.org to view globally. Sign up for an account at festival.sundance.org to access online. All times are U.S. Mountain Time.

ABOUT SUNDANCE FILM FESTIVAL

The Sundance Film Festival has introduced global audiences to some of the most groundbreaking films of the past three decades, including Flee, CODA, Passing, Summer Of Soul (…or, When the Revolution Could Not Be Televised), Clemency, Never Rarely Sometimes Always, Zola, On The Record, Boys State, The Farewell, Honeyland, One Child Nation, The Souvenir, The Infiltrators, Sorry to Bother You, Won’t You Be My Neighbor?, Hereditary, Call Me By Your Name, Get Out, The Big Sick, Mudbound, Fruitvale Station, Whiplash, Brooklyn, Precious, The Cove, Little Miss Sunshine, An Inconvenient Truth, Napoleon Dynamite, Hedwig and the Angry Inch, Reservoir Dogs and sex, lies, and videotape.

The Festival is a program of the non-profit Sundance Institute. 2022 Festival sponsors include: Presenting Sponsors – Acura, AMC+, Chase Sapphire, Adobe; Leadership Sponsors – Amazon Studios, DIRECTV, DoorDash, Dropbox, Netflix, Omnicom Group, WarnerMedia, XRM Media; Sustaining Sponsors – Aflac, Audible, Canada Goose, Canon U.S.A., Inc., Dell Technologies, IMDbPro, Michelob ULTRA Pure Gold, Rabbit Hole Bourbon & Rye, Unity Technologies, University of Utah Health, White Claw Hard Seltzer; Media Sponsors – The Atlantic, IndieWire, Los Angeles Times, NPR, Shadow and Act, Variety, Vulture. Sundance Institute recognizes critical support from the State of Utah as Festival Host State. The support of these organizations helps offset the Festival’s costs and sustain the Institute’s year-round programs for independent artists. Visit sundance.org/festival for more.

In addition to the Flat Earth Society, the Flat Earth International Conference (FEIC) is a notable annual event that gathers proponents from around the world to share ideas, present arguments, and foster community .

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NH News

Who's most likely to be open to conspiracy theories? UNH research points to millennials and Trump supporters

Who are the groups most likely to believe in conspiracy theories? That’s the question a University of New Hampshire researcher recently set out to solve.

Sociology professor Lawrence Hamilton looked into national survey data gauging public beliefs in several conspiracy theories, including: "NASA astronauts did not really land on the Moon" and "The Earth is flat, not round."

After digging into that data, Hamilton found "acceptance or openness to conspiracy beliefs was significantly higher among certain subgroups, including Millennials and supporters of ex-president Trump."

NHPR’s Rick Ganley talked with Hamilton about his findings — and the role social media plays in spreading conspiracy theories. Below is a transcript of their conversation, lightly edited for clarity.

Read more about Hamilton's research here.

Transcript

Rick Ganley: It's worth noting that some of these conspiracy theories are old. Some are more recent. But all of them seemingly were given a boost by social media. And it's not hard to find false information, obviously, about topics online. Did you find it used to be much harder to hear about or be convinced of something like this?

Lawrence Hamilton: Well, I've never asked these questions before, so I don't have my own data. There are Gallup polls going back to the late 1990s that seem to find much smaller fractions of people thinking that the moon landings were faked, for example. So there's some kind of indirect evidence. I don't know if anybody tracked it very well. The number of people who've heard about these theories [that's] rising are the people who are drawn into them. And I'm sure that YouTube and social media — people describe it as a rabbit hole, where if you start watching one video [alleging the Earth is flat], they'll recommend another one for you. And pretty soon it seems like the whole world is all about flat Earth.

Rick Ganley: Your research looked into the political leanings of people who responded. What did you find there?

Lawrence Hamilton: We did find a political correlation, and that wasn't a foregone conclusion, because I had specifically chosen conspiracy theories that are not known to have a clear political [connection]. I mean, there's been a lot of research going back really to the 1960s on the paranoid style in American politics that has found conspiracy theories are more popular among conservatives across a range of issues. In the 1950s, it was conspiracies by Communist infiltration in the U.S. government. Now, it may be conspiracies directed at politicians — [alleging without evidence that former President Barack] Obama is a Muslim, or [President Joe] Biden stole the 2020 election — and others that are targeted at scientists, like climate change is a hoax, COVID-19 is a hoax or COVID precautions or vaccines are a hoax. And I chose none of those. I chose things like: ‘The moon landings were fake,’ or ‘Earth is flat,’ ‘Vaccines implant microchips.’ So it was interesting to find that even there, there's a conservative preference.

Rick Ganley: A lot of this does come down to faith in science and academics and what so-called experts have to say. Do you see this as evidence of a decline in faith in institutions?

Lawrence Hamilton: Well, I would say there's a decline — and this is something we do have data on — there's a wide decline in trust in scientists, and it's largely partisan. It's not so much happening among people who self-identify as liberal or moderate. But among people who identify as conservative or very conservative, there's definitely a decline in trust in scientists. The COVID pandemic was an interesting case in point, because we were actually tracking this on surveys, and trust in the [Centers for Disease Control and Prevention] took an enormous nosedive over space about four months, specifically among conservatives. Other groups didn't change. But the conservative trust in the CDC took this huge dive when [former President] Donald Trump's tweeting turned from praising the CDC to attacking it. And with that flip, conservative trust in the CDC flipped as well, and nobody else has changed much.

Rick Ganley: Your research also highlighted a pattern having to do with age. Respondents who classify themselves as millennials, that is those born between 1981 and 1996, were the most likely to agree with some of the conspiracies that you posed. And Gen Zs, I guess, were also more inclined than older respondents. What did you find there?

Lawrence Hamilton: Well, some of that corresponded to previous surveys. There's a section at the end of our report where we say, well, how does this compare with what other people have found? Just as a reality check. And that's been reported by a number of other studies as well. So millennials in particular, and Gen Z to a slightly lesser extent, were much less skeptical about the conspiracies compared with boomers or older generations. And one explanation that's been offered for that, well, two explanations: Regarding the moon landings, of course, older generations lived through those and remember the national pride and excitement and so forth, whereas [for] younger generations, it's something in the history books. So maybe they don't have that sense of having been there when it happened. But the other thing is that you could expect younger generations to be more engaged with social media, which for some people could take them down these rabbit holes again.

Rick Ganley: Does your research have any suggestions on how to stop people from believing in conspiracy theories?

Lawrence Hamilton: That's a real hard one because there's this tendency to get into information silos where all you hear are the voices that reinforce your prejudices. And a thing about conspiracies is that they will give you a reason to reject anything that contradicts them. People have been seeing [the science behind] climate change for a long time, [and] you can't go in with fact sheets. That doesn't persuade anybody. They'll just become convinced that you're part of the hoax, too. There aren't any simple answers. The strongest recommendation is that scientists stay engaged in public communication through every channel they have, and that they try to make their conclusions understandable or accessible to people from a lot of different walks of life who obviously are not reading the peer review journals.

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Other groups, such as Flat Earth Nation, operate primarily through social media platforms like YouTube, BitChute, Facebook, and Reddit, where they disseminate content, organize meetups, and recruit new members .

These organizations and online communities often overlap with faith-based and spiritual groups, using moral and emotional language to appeal to members and reinforce group identity .

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Content: Top Secret UFO Projects on Netflix: Why are people obsessed with conspiracy theories?

TOP SECRET UFO PROJECTS: DECLASSIFIED has been released on Netflix, exploring conspiracy theories that include the world's leaders covering up the existence of aliens.

Link copied

Top Secret UFO Projects: Declassified is a docu-series that has been dropped on today, Tuesday, August 3. The six-part series delves into various claims of people who have seen and been in contact with aliens as well as those who believe governments are misleading the general public. But what is it that makes people get so invested in such theories?

Why do people obsess over conspiracy theories?

The Netflix synopsis for the show says it will feature: “The most recent information and proof exposing the most top-secret government projects that handled contact with and cover-ups of, extraterrestrial presence on Earth.

"Though claims of extraterrestrial encounters have long been dismissed, many believe the existence of UFOs is not just likely, but a certainty.”

Each episode is going to focus on a different theory, the first being Project Blue Book which is meant to be a record and analysis of UFO observations.

As well as this, there will be an instalment dedicated to the theory that the USA Army has physical evidence of an alien spacecraft.

READ MORE: NCIS cast member dies 2021: Which NCIS star died?

Top UFO Projects: Why do people believe in conspiracy theories? (Image: NETFLIX)

Top Secret UFO Projects: There are six episodes in season 1. (Image: NETFLIX)

Top Secret UFO Projects is also going to "prove" that sightings of alien life have been talked about by the governments in the UK, United States and the former Soviet Union since the end of the Second World War.

In the past decade, there has been a rise in the interest in Extraterrestrial life and so more conspiracy theories have developed.

They don't just revolve around alien life either with many believed concerning climate change, the Earth being flat and most recently the coronavirus pandemic.

Speaking to Express.co.uk, psychotherapist and life coach Andre Radmall explained his views on those who live by such theories.

Top Secret UFO Projects: The show will claim to provide footage and evidence of alien life. (Image: NETFLIX)

Top Secret UFO Projects: The series is now ready to watch on Netflix. (Image: NETFLIX)

Dr Radmall says that those who have been "let down by life" are more likely to hold on to such ideas.

He explained: "We live in a world of anxiety, fear and disruption.

"The world is unstable and so perhaps it is not surprising that some people look for unseen forces that might be pulling the strings behind the scenes. A kind of Wizard of Oz.

"These people hope there is a conspiracy, because at least then someone has a plan.

"For them, a conspiracy theory can be a convenient hook upon which to hang their anxiety.

"Psychologically we all tend to want an explanation, a cause for our sense of unease and stress.

"However, this crystallisation of fears and anxieties into a conspiracy story can be both addictive, compelling and hard to give up.

"If someone has been disillusioned and let down by life, if they find themselves disappointed and alone, they may be more likely to become dependent on conspiracy theory. It offers meaning and purpose in a world that often seems chaotic."

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Furthermore, senior lecturer in psychology at Northumbria University Dr Daniel Jolley talked of how those following such ideas can make people feel "unique".

"These theories are entertaining – they are interesting, novel and attention-grabbing, which is enticing.

"They can make the every day appear more exciting.

"What hidden worlds exist that the government is hiding? It turns every day into a sci-fi film.

"However, they can influence people in significant ways – exposure to conspiracy theories can change the way we think and behave.

"One conspiracy belief feeds into another – UFO cover-ups to deny the existence of climate change.

"Conspiracy beliefs merge because both assume a secret group is covering up information for their self-interest. A distrust is developed, where an overriding suspicion is asserted."

According to Dr Jolley, such theories could be "detrimental to individuals and society" as once they have formed, they are difficult to "debunk".

Top Secret UFO Projects Declassified is a six-part series that will put various theories and claimed sight-seeings under a microscope.

Netflix states: "Though claims of extraterrestrial encounters have long been dismissed, many believe the existence of UFOs is not just likely, but a certainty."

Top Secret UFO Projects Declassified is available to watch on Netflix.

**Public Figures and Celebrity Endorsements** The movement’s visibility has been amplified by endorsements or expressions of belief from several public figures and celebrities.

**Public Figures and Celebrity Endorsements** The movement’s visibility has been amplified by endorsements or expressions of belief from several public figures and celebrities.

**Public Figures and Celebrity Endorsements** The movement’s visibility has been amplified by endorsements or expressions of belief from several public figures and celebrities.

NBA player Kyrie Irving has publicly claimed that the Earth is flat, a statement that generated widespread media coverage and debate within the sports world .

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Fact check: Astronauts train in vacuum chambers to prepare for life in space

The claim: Space is a hoax because astronauts don't train in vacuum chambers

Some proponents of Flat Earth theory – the erroneous idea that Earth is flat instead of a globe – also believe that space is an illusion or a hoax.

A meme currently circulating on social media and promoting this unfounded idea reads: "If outer space was a vacuum, astronauts would train in vacuum chambers, not in swimming pools."

The meme is captioned "Outer Space is a hoax" in an Oct. 25 Instagram post that garnered more than 1,000 likes in a month.

But the post is wrong, citing incorrect evidence and reaching an incorrect conclusion.

While the space between planets and stars is not a perfect vacuum – even the most empty parts still have some particles – astronauts still use vacuum chambers to prepare for the pressure changes that occur when they are exposed to space. There's ample evidence from both space travel and observations that outer space exists.

USA TODAY reached out to the Instagram user who shared the post for comment.

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Astronauts train in both vacuum chambers and pools

Contrary to the claim made in the meme, astronauts train in both pools and vacuum chambers to prepare for different elements of life in space, NASA spokesperson Daniel Huot told USA TODAY in an email.

"Astronauts are only exposed to vacuum on spacewalks," he said. "Astronauts will participate in suit tests in smaller vacuum chambers to get acquainted with the pressure changes that happen ... but there is limited to no value in putting them in vacuum chambers for extended tests."

In addition to training, vacuum chambers are also used to test "materials, spacesuits (and) spacecraft in a vacuum environment here on Earth because a lot of important processes change (in the vacuum of space) – processes like heat transfer or how things get warmer or colder," Huot said.

On the other hand, astronauts train in pools to prepare them for microgravity – the perceived experience of weightlessness or floating that occurs on the International Space Station.

"Astronauts train in a large pool using specially weighted spacesuits as that is the best way to simulate ... microgravity," Huot said. "Aside from experiencing the pressure differential that they’re subject to when inside the large spacesuit, there is no training that could be done in the limited space of a vacuum chamber that would be more effective than training while neutrally buoyant to simulate microgravity in the pool."

A video of an astronaut training in a vacuum chamber is available on the NASA Johnson Space Center YouTube channel.

The meme was also debunked by Politifact.

Ample evidence space is real and an (imperfect) vacuum

Even before the advent of space flight, there was evidence that space is a vacuum, Erik Conway, the NASA Jet Propulsion Lab historian, told USA TODAY in an email.

Johannes Kepler, a 17th-century mathematician who proposed a set of physical laws that govern planetary orbits, noticed that the movement of planets and moons only made sense in the low-friction environment of a vacuum.

"If there were significant drag or friction in space, the planets would gradually spiral in towards the Sun as their orbital energy is dissipated by drag," he said. "But they don’t. The idea of a frictionless space was key to Kepler’s orbital mechanics, which we also use for spacecraft navigation."

Allen Farrington, project manager for NASA's SPHEREx mission, also told USA TODAY that if planets were encountering significant matter in their orbits, the leading side of the planet should heat up due to the friction.

"With ground-based instruments, we would see the leading side of the planets being warmer than the trailing side," he said in an email.

But this is not what is observed.

Evidence that space and space travel are real includes photos of space and people in space, the development of a space tourism industry and physical samples retrieved from Earth's moon.

USA TODAY has previously debunked other social media posts that claim to provide evidence that various space missions were fabricated.

For instance, some social media users erroneously claimed that a mismatch between the soles of Apollo astronauts' boots and the tread in a famous moon footprint photo is evidence that the Apollo moon missions were faked. However, the footprint left on the moon was made by a lunar overshoe that helped redistribute the astronauts' weight and protect them from radiation.

Fact check: False claim that video shows NASA astronaut Karen Nyberg in front of green screen

Our rating: False

Based on our research, we rate FALSE the claim space is a hoax because astronauts don't train in vacuum chambers.  NASA astronauts train in both pools and vacuum chambers to prepare for life in space, according to a NASA spokesperson. Further, there is ample evidence from both earthbound observation and space missions that space is real and a vacuum.

Our fact-check sources:

Thank you for supporting our journalism. You can subscribe to our print edition, ad-free app or electronic newspaper replica here.

Our fact-check work is supported in part by a grant from Facebook.

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What NBA star claimed that the earth is flat?

What NBA star claimed that the earth is flat?

NFL players Travis and Jason Kelce have discussed on their podcast that 10-20% of NFL players might believe in the flat Earth theory, suggesting the idea has some traction even among professional athletes .

What could be the estimated percentage of American football players who believe the Earth is flat?

Rapper B.o.B has also publicly supported flat Earth theories, using his platform to promote these ideas .

Actress Millie Bobby Brown once expressed belief in the flat Earth theory during her teenage years but later publicly renounced this view, indicating a shift in perspective after facing public scrutiny .

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Content: Kyrie Irving’s Flat Earth Theory Revisited: How Did Scientist Neil deGrasse Tyson React to It?

Tonoy Sengupta
|Sun Oct 16 2022

Kyrie Irving has some rather interesting theory on the planet we live on

Kyrie Irving sure is an interesting guy.

Of course, his ability on the basketball is a sight to behold. However, his thoughts and ideologies off it are something the NBA community has had its eye on for a long time too.

Over the years, he has come to be known as the man who is absent from the team for about half the year tending to one cause or another. Though it must be noted that there is a massive amount of exaggeration at play in all the conversations regarding them.

But frankly, his tendency to take holidays off work isn’t exactly weak either.

However, this is Kyrie during his most recent years in the league, a stark contrast to how he was at the start of his career. But it had to have started somewhere, right?

Well, apparently it did. And frankly, fans should’ve known the kind of person they were in for after this little incident was revealed.

Also Read: When Dennis Rodman teared up after his friend North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un met with former US President Donald Trump

Kyrie Irving once believed the Earth is Flat

There are shockingly a whole bunch of Flat Earthers on this planet of ours to this day. And apparently, Kyrie Irving was once a part of that army.

Now admittedly, the original clip of him admitting he believes in the Flat Earth theory can no longer be found. However, there are several clips of him justifying his stance on the matter, one of which is right here, below.

There are also clips of him claiming that he was only joking when he spoke about believing the flat earth theory, so frankly, he may deserve to be cut some slack here. Furthermore, even if he believed it several years ago, there is a strong chance that his beliefs have changed completely.

However, if the man still believes in the theory, that is quite something, isn’t it?

At this point, even most scientists would probably just find themselves chuckling on the matter, rather than be exasperated.

But until Irving announces his current beliefs, one can only speculate.

Neil deGrasse Tyson once shared his thoughts on Kyrie Irving’s backing of the Flat Earth theory

When it comes to scientists, Neil deGrasse Tyson is probably the most well-liked one out there, on the face of this planet.

Whenever he is brought on a show of any kind, he has been asked questions about space, aliens, and even some questions on theoretical physics concepts, such as the Multiverse theory.

But never had he been asked to react to a basketball player in any kind of way. Or at least, that wasn’t the case, until the Kyrie Irving incident.

And here was his reaction.

While he does seem to be speaking facts, and trying to go about this in a logical manner, he does seem a tad bit snarkier than usual.

We can’t imagine Kyrie Irving being the biggest fan of that.

Also Read: Michael Jordan, Who Refused to Back Black Political Candidates, Appreciated ‘Bishop of Brixton’ Jimmy Rogers’ Communal Work

About the author

Tonoy Sengupta

I've always been someone surrounded by sports. At 15 though, Basketball was brought to my attention, and I absolutely fell in love with it. At 21 now, I look to share the joy I feel with the world through my articles.

Read more from Tonoy Sengupta

Other figures, such as actor Terrence Howard, have made unconventional claims that resonate with conspiracy theorists, including questioning the existence of gravity .

Title:

Content: Disinformation

Faith factor: Spiritual groups on Facebook as effective tools for disinformation

Pauline Macaraeg

Alejandro Edoria/Rappler

Disinformation in faith groups can be more subtle, but still insidious, because of the use of moral and emotional language
Data and visualizationDylan Salcedo
At a glance
  • Members of faith and spiritual groups on Facebook are exposed to disinformation, particularly conspiracy theories.
  • Unlike in political groups and pages that are often fact-checked, disinformation in faith groups can be more subtle, but still insidious, because of the use of spiritual language.
  • Some of the harmful content found in these groups are harder to fact-check because they do not contain details that can be easily debunked. Rather, they contain interpretations of biblical prophecies or misleading statements that play on the beliefs of their members.
  • Other types of disinformation, such as those related to politics and online scams, are also found in faith groups.
  • An expert encourages theologians to practice public theology to educate religious Filipinos and help them become more aware, so that they will not be used as tools in spreading false information online.

MANILA, Philippines – When talking about disinformation in the Philippines, the usual sources that come to mind are politically charged accounts. But in a country where eight out of 10 Filipinos are Roman Catholics, there is an online community that is often left unchecked: the faith or spiritual groups.

For instance, conspiracy theorists have often linked the COVID-19 pandemic to the New World Order, or the theory that a cabal of globalists is plotting to take totalitarian control of the world. They have warned against taking the COVID-19 vaccines because they claim that it is all part of the creation of a “one world government.”

These false claims are not only shared by political or fringe groups who oppose the restrictions brought by the pandemic. On Facebook, 16.77% of the groups and pages that have shared conspiracy theories like this since 2020 belong to communities of faith groups.

Rappler found 1,145 pages and groups that shared public Facebook posts from January 2020 until July 2022 containing keywords related to conspiracy theories such as the New World Order, the earth being flat, and QAnon, among others. While the three biggest communities identified were clusters of political groups – mainly supporters of former president Rodrigo Duterte and President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. – the fourth biggest cluster is composed of groups and pages that are about Christianity and the Bible.

(The network map below shows the communities on Facebook sharing posts containing conspiracy theories. Each node represents a page or a group. The nodes are linked if they are found to have shared from the same sources. Please allow time for the data visualization to load.)

Nine communities of faith groups surfaced. Of these, the three biggest communities were the “Born again, Christianity, Bible” cluster with 113 groups and pages; “Catholic, SDA (Seventh-Day Adventists), INC (Iglesia ni Cristo)” cluster with 47 groups and pages; and the “Pentecostal, Apostolic” cluster with 13 groups and pages.

A deeper dive into data showed that other types of disinformation also exist in these faith groups – from health-related falsehoods, political disinformation, to online scams.

Religious language

What makes faith groups distinct from the other communities that share disinformation is their use of religious language that appeals to one’s morals and emotions.

“The religious language is part and parcel of the disinformation narrative. In a religious society like the Philippines, being able to couch your ideas in affective and spiritual language makes them more appealing,” said Jayeel Cornelio, professor at the Ateneo de Manila University and an expert on the sociology of religion in the Philippines.

When conspiracy theories are shared in faith groups, they are often linked to Biblical prophecies, particularly the rapture and apocalypse. This is why the New World Order theory is popular among these groups because many believe that it fulfills the end time prophecies in the Bible – that the establishment of a “one world government” and “one world religion” signifies the second coming of Christ.

Cornelio said that religious groups that spread end times-related conspiracy theories draw on fundamentalist readings.

“This became acute with COVID-19 vaccines. Many of these groups and pages associate it with 666, the Mark of the Beast that would be administered around the world according to a certain reading of Revelation and other end-time passages in the Bible. Much of this theological discourse is derived from US fundamentalists who happen to be anti-vaxxers as well (and anti-LGBT, anti-Democrats, anti-everything progressive),” Cornelio said in an email to Rappler on Saturday, August 27.

He added that to a certain extent, spirituality or religion plays a part in the spread of false information, especially to those who are exposed to only one theological reading of the Scriptures.

“Many Christians fall for end-time narratives because they simply do not know that there are other ways of appreciating Revelation, for example, as a historical text written during the persecution of Christians in the Roman Empire,” Cornelio said.

In a HuffPost piece published in 2011, American scholar Richard T. Hughes also said that the theory has no basis in the Bible.

“But of course, we do not wish to reduce this only to inadequate theology. What we want to highlight is that this end-time reading of the Scriptures helps to make sense of their experiences and the uncertainties in the world today,” Cornelio added, saying that he has personally interacted with religious anti-vaxxers in the Philippines who have had negative experiences with healthcare and vaccination.

However, this does not mean that faith groups just contain false claims about end-time prophecies. In fact, disinformation in faith groups is not very apparent at first glance.

Natural language processing, or a technique used to cluster posts based on their semantic similarities, showed that the majority of the posts from these groups (77%) were about preaching and proclaiming God’s existence. Meanwhile, the posts that got the highest engagement were those meant to make members of different religions argue about the correct interpretation of the Scriptures.

A deeper dive into the content of these groups found that other types of disinformation are also present. Apart from conspiracies, three other main buckets of disinformation surfaced: health-related, political, and online scams. Of the groups previously identified to have shared conspiracy theories, 54% also posted political disinformation, 48% shared online scams, and 39.5% shared health-related false claims.

(Please allow time for the data visualizations to load.)

In the name of God

Some false claims found in these faith groups are harder to fact-check. These are the more insidious, misleading content that play on the beliefs and faith of the members, and often use language that has a moral and emotional impact.

For example, there were posts that claimed God is the only cure for COVID-19, or that faith in God will keep people away from contracting COVID-19. While these may sound harmless at first glance, there are still members that may take these statements at face value and stop taking necessary precautions.

“The subtle feel-good Christian messages are useful in penetrating Christian circles,” Cornelio said, explaining that affective and spiritual language makes the claims more appealing because it resonates with religious people.

A 2016 study by scholars from New York University called this the “moral contagion” on social media, or the tendency of posts containing moral-emotional language to spread more widely within groups.

Other posts containing health disinformation related to more controversial topics like abortion and masturbation are also harder to fact-check, because they are usually just lumped together as “sins” and call them “evil.”

There were also posts that attempted to explain everyday events as “God’s will” – or something that humans can no longer control. This language makes claims like this more appealing to the religious public because it reaffirms their faith in a higher being. Cornelio said that following God’s will is something that many Filipinos could resonate with, since a majority of the population are Roman Catholics.

“Of course, I am concerned about the impact of these narratives in our everyday religious discourse. Unfortunately, we find little resistance to them in the legit religious sphere,” Cornelio said.

Following the May 2022 elections, Cornelio wrote a column on the elections and the sovereign will of God, after people started attributing the outcome of the elections to “God’s will.” He shared how there were congregations that would rather stay neutral in political talk because they believe that the Church’s primary focus “should be on discipleship and evangelism.”

Still, Cornelio argued that the theologies proclaimed in the religious groups are being echoed by their members, and thus have an effect on the greater public because the issues at hand are not only concerned with “spiritual” matters. “In fact, recognizing that theology is publicly consequential compels faith communities to reflect on the quality of citizens they promote in their midst,” he wrote.

Expert Speaks

[OPINION] The 2022 elections and the sovereign will of God

Intentional spreading of false information

Cornelio also pointed out that while religious language makes false claims appealing to the religious public, there could be other malign actors that use these groups to purposely spread false information.

The content analysis found that already-debunked false posts were also shared in the faith groups, such as the Marcos gold, Marcos vs Aquino comparisons, and exaggerated accomplishments of the Marcos and Duterte administrations.

The community clustering above also showed that almost all of the faith communities are linked to the Duterte and Marcos supporter networks, indicating that it is easy for the members of political groups to penetrate the religious community.

Must Read

[OPINION] Is religion in Philippine politics a problem or part of the solution?

Apart from political disinformation, online scams that promise free cash, gadget, or properties were also found within faith groups. These are similar to the other online scams elsewhere on the internet, which usually ask members to like or interact with their pages to be eligible for giveaways. Some even ask for the members’ personal information, like full names, mobile numbers, and home addresses.

Although there are also posts of members that warn against false claims like these, the existence of such false claims in faith groups shows the vulnerability of their members to intentional and malicious seeding of false information.

To effectively combat the spread of disinformation and to protect the religious public from being used as tools to spread false information online, Cornelio encouraged more people to practice public theology, or the theological work that engages the public in a way that makes it easier for the majority – including the non-religious – to understand.

“This means that religious ideas need to be expressed sometimes in non-religious ways (e.g. human rights, good research, ethical choices, pakikipagkapwa-tao). In other cases, public theology also demands that ‘bad theology’ be confronted. I feel that religious schools can do a lot more in this area. Also churches if their pastors and priests are brave enough…. We need to work with the religious sector actively,” Cornelio said. – with reports from Dylan Salcedo and Iggy Franco/Rappler.com

Pauline Macaraeg

Pauline Macaraeg is digital forensics researcher for Rappler. She started as a fact checker and researcher in 2019, before becoming part of Rappler's Digital Forensics Team. She writes about the developing digital landscape, as well as the spread and impact of disinformation and harmful online content. When she's not working, you can find her listening to podcasts or K-pop bops.

Social media influencers on platforms like YouTube and TikTok have further amplified the movement’s reach, attracting large followings by promoting flat Earth content .

**Arguments Used by Flat-Earthers** Flat Earth proponents employ a range of arguments, often rooted in personal observation, misinterpretation of scientific principles, and conspiracy thinking.

**Arguments Used by Flat-Earthers** Flat Earth proponents employ a range of arguments, often rooted in personal observation, misinterpretation of scientific principles, and conspiracy thinking.

A central claim is that the horizon always appears flat to the naked eye, and if the Earth were truly spherical, a noticeable curvature would be visible .

Title:

Content: 4 years later, Millie Bobby Brown turns to her flat Earth theory, stating that she believes in this theory

0

Once a flatlander, Millie Bobby Brown has changed her mind. The actress got a role in the Netflix series “Stranger Things” at the age of thirteen for the role of Eleven. Basically, she grew up in the spotlight. Today, she is well aware of the pros and cons of growing up as a star child, because when she once expressed her opinion about the Flat Earth theory, the trolls did not spare her.

The energetic actress not only knows how to play, but is also confident in her opinion. Perhaps this is what led to her rapid success. She grew up on the path to her success, from participating in a sci-fi show to starring in Enola Holmes. Now she had a great opportunity to prove her changed views on the theory of a flat Earth.

How Millie Bobby Brown Changed Her Mind about the Flat Earth Theory

Millie Bobby Brown proved that she no longer believes in the theory of the flight of the Earth. During a recent interview with Vanity Fair, she took a lie detector test. During this, she touched on the topic of how she believed in the flat Earth theory when she was fourteen. Brown was asked if she still believes in the theory of a flat Earth, to which she replied bluntly “no.” A lie detector test decides whether it was true or not.

It was established that she was telling the truth. Perhaps it brought relief to herself and the people around her. But the 18-year-old girl added a comment to her answer. A curious teenager said: “I haven’t seen it yet,” talking about how she searches for the earth curve while on a plane.

Then the actress again gave several answers that could have been lies, and the results showed that she was truthful. At the age of fourteen, she was on Tik-Tok for a live broadcast when a fan asked her about the flat Earth theory. Now the actress has clearly transformed. Host Enola Holmes 2 was interviewed everywhere for her film with Henry Cavill, which was released in theaters on October 27.

Do you think her answer about the flat earth was sincere? Give your thoughts in the comments.

What does Tunisian journalist believe in?

They argue that water surfaces are always level and do not curve, which they contend contradicts the globe model .

What does Tunisian journalist believe in?

What does Tunisian journalist believe in?

Many flat Earthers reject the existence of gravity, claiming it is a fabricated concept designed to support the globe model, and instead attribute the falling of objects to density .

Title:

Content: Terrence Howard shares bizarre conspiracy theories on Joe Rogan Podcast, ‘Everyone is wrong’ - Hindustan Times

Terrence Howard shares bizarre conspiracy theories on Joe Rogan Podcast, ‘Everyone is wrong’

ByArya Vaishnavi
May 22, 2024 10:19 PM IST

Howard kicked off the interview, saying he remembers everything from the time he was in his mother's womb

Terrence Howard is famed for being outspoken about his unconventional beliefs and conspiracy theories. Not afraid of speaking his mind, the Iron Man star spoke at length about gravity being fake and how he had retained the memories of being in his mother's womb on the Joe Rogan Podcast. The 55-year-old actor's bizarre claims seemingly left the podcaster taken aback as Rogan told him, “If you’re right, so many people are wrong.”

‘Everyone is wrong’ according to Terrence Howard

Howard kicked off the interview, saying he remembers everything from the time he was in his mother's womb. “I didn't wake up here, I was inside my mother's womb, I was like 'don't forget, don't forget, don't forget.'” He continued, “I remember being circumcised. I remember the whole nine.”

Unlock exclusive access to the latest news on India's general elections, only on the HT App. Download Now! Download Now!

Justifying his theories, the Triumph star told Rogan that “everyone is wrong,” adding, “The universe backs me up.” Continuing his streak of conspiracy theories, Howard told Rogan, “Straight lines are an illusion...if you look at it from the side, from its real perspective, you see that it's not.''”

Howard then went on to refute the Pythagoras Theorem and the Periodic Table. The Gully star continued to add that he could “rebuild Saturn without gravity.” “We’re about to kill gravity. We’re about to kill their God, gravity, and they don’t want that,” Howard told Rogan.

“And it has the rings with no animation. It has the rings and the hexagon that’s observed at the very top of it without dark matter, without dark energy, without gravity, showing that it’s an outward, inward, outward force pushing down that creates the planet,” he continued.

In an open challenge to scientists, physicists, and mathematicians, the Cut Throat City star said, “You have all of these physicists saying something different but none of them have 97 patents. None of them have introduced a new form of flight.” Howard explained how he holds the patent for Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality, which is cited by 31 companies, including Microsoft, Amazon, and Sony.

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Satellite images and space missions are frequently dismissed as manipulated or fabricated by governments and corporations, with some claiming that astronauts train in swimming pools rather than vacuum chambers to perpetuate the illusion of space travel .

What scientific evidence do "flat earthers" reject?

Flat Earthers often cite perceived inconsistencies in space imagery and videos as evidence of a global conspiracy involving governments, scientists, and space agencies to conceal the "truth" about the Earth's shape .

What scientific evidence do "flat earthers" reject?

Some adherents also base their beliefs on specific interpretations of religious texts, linking flat Earth views to biblical prophecies and spiritual narratives, particularly within certain Christian communities .

**Reasons for the Resurgence** The revival of flat Earth beliefs in a technologically advanced society is driven by several interrelated factors.

**Reasons for the Resurgence** The revival of flat Earth beliefs in a technologically advanced society is driven by several interrelated factors.

**Reasons for the Resurgence** The revival of flat Earth beliefs in a technologically advanced society is driven by several interrelated factors.

Social media platforms such as YouTube, Facebook, TikTok, and Reddit have created echo chambers where flat Earth content can spread rapidly and be reinforced without critical challenge .

Algorithms on these platforms often promote sensational or controversial content, increasing the visibility and appeal of fringe theories .

The "rabbit hole" effect of repeated exposure to reinforcing content deepens individuals' commitment to conspiracy theories .

A growing distrust in scientific institutions, government agencies, and mainstream media has led some individuals to seek alternative explanations for natural phenomena, fostering receptiveness to conspiracy theories .

Title:

Content: “Everyone Gets Hit in the Head”: Travis and Jason Kelce Boldly Claim 20% NFL Players Are Flat-Earthers

Samnur Reza
Published

Eight-time NBA All-Star and Mavericks point guard, Kyrie Irving, has time and time again claimed that the earth is flat. Sadly, this belief is widely held around the globe. When discussing the same and if there are NFL players who also call themselves flat-earthers behind closed doors, Jason Kelce and his brother Travis boldly claimed that a good chunk of the NFL locker room actually believes the earth to be flat.

During a recent episode of the New Heights podcast with comedian Andrew Santino at the discussion table, the younger Kelce said, “We’ve mentioned on the show that conspiracy theories help bring NFL locker rooms together,” before asking the guest, “What are your conspiracy theories?”

Without skipping a beat, Santino posed the question about what percentage of NFL players actually believe in the Flat Earth theory. In response, Travis claimed that at least 10 to 15 athletes in every locker room are flat-earthers. Jason Kelce, however, added that if someone were to conduct an anonymous poll about it, the number of flat-earth believers could potentially jump up to 20%, equating to approximately 11 players out of a 53-man roster.

“Dude, honestly, there are at least 10 to 15 guys in every locker room; I would imagine,” Travis remarked, followed by Jason adding, “If you took an anonymous poll like nobody had to disclose their name or anything like that, you’re over 15% of an NFL locker room… Maybe over 20.”

This revelation baffled the Ricky Stanicky actor, but Travis consoled him by jokingly saying, “Dude, everyone gets hit in the head.” Nevertheless, while the Kelce duo’s numbers may be somewhat exaggerated, there have been some instances when NFL players have openly admitted believing in the earth being flat.

Darius Slay, Sammy Watkins, and Others Are Flat-Earthers

As per Sports Illustrated, free agent wide receiver Sammy Watkins claimed back in 2017 that the earth is flat. But he isn’t the only NFL athlete on that list, as Eagles CB Darius Slay told Tori Petry of DetroitLions.com back in 2018 that the earth is flat.

“I mean, I think it is (flat), we’re walking flat, so how is it round?,” claimed the All-Pro cornerback.

Steelers linebacker Patrick Queen followed suit just last year and claimed the same thing. “PSA,” Queen wrote in a tweet. “Earth is flat. Thank you. Carry on!!”

The list goes on! Former Texas Tech safety, Tyler Owens, apparently told reporters at the Scouting Combine that he doesn’t believe in space or any other planets. Thus, he finds the Flat Earth Theory ‘interesting’ and ‘valid’.

“Nah, I don’t believe in space…. like, you know, I’m religious, so I think like… we’re on our own right now. I don’t think there’s, like, other planets, and stuff like that. I don’t know,” Owens said, as per DailyMail.

Even Seahawks QB Geno Smith has claimed that the whole thing is still up for debate. Moreover, Jason Kelce once revealed that, out of curiosity, he had asked one of his coaches about the Flat Earth Theory and if anyone believed in it. Right there and then, an athlete nearby said, “I mean how you know it isn’t?”

Despite its absurdity, the debate will rage on till the end of time, it seems. However, there are simple experiments that can be conducted in front of a flat-earther to convince them otherwise, as perfectly demonstrated by Wired.

About the author

Samnur Reza

Samnur Reza, or "Rocky," is an NFL editor for the SportsRush. Although his love for football began with Tom Brady, he’s now a devoted fan of Jalen Hurts and is keeping his fingers crossed for the first ring. When asked how he remains loyal to the Eagles, he channels his inner Jim from The Office and responds, 'On a wing and a prayer.' Much like his love for football, Rocky is a dedicated cinephile with an impressive amount of screen time. He’s also fond of cats and has a furry friend named ‘Eva’.

Read more from Samnur Reza

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This skepticism is especially prevalent among certain political groups, such as Millennials and supporters of former President Trump, who have shown higher acceptance of conspiracy theories, including flat Earth ideas .

The movement also appeals to individuals who feel marginalized, disenfranchised, or alienated, offering a sense of community, identity, and empowerment through rejection of mainstream science .

Psychologically, belief in conspiracy theories, including flat Earth ideas, is linked to needs for certainty, cognitive closure, and control in an uncertain world .

**Characteristics of Flat Earth Believers** Research indicates that individuals most likely to subscribe to flat Earth beliefs often share certain demographic and psychological traits.

**Characteristics of Flat Earth Believers** Research indicates that individuals most likely to subscribe to flat Earth beliefs often share certain demographic and psychological traits.

**Characteristics of Flat Earth Believers** Research indicates that individuals most likely to subscribe to flat Earth beliefs often share certain demographic and psychological traits.

Younger individuals, particularly Millennials and Gen Z, are more likely to adopt conspiracy theories, including flat Earth beliefs, partly due to their high engagement with social media platforms where such content proliferates .

There is a noted correlation between flat Earth beliefs and conservative political views, suggesting these beliefs may be more prevalent among certain political groups .

Many adherents tend to have lower levels of formal education, especially in scientific disciplines, which may contribute to their acceptance of alternative theories .

How do flat Earthers perceive themselves?

They believe they know a lot, though their knowledge is minimal

How do flat Earthers perceive themselves?

They believe they know a lot, though their knowledge is minimal

Flat Earth believers often exhibit a pronounced distrust of scientific consensus and authority figures, viewing them as part of a larger conspiracy .

Participation in the flat Earth movement frequently fulfills social needs by providing a sense of belonging and identity within a like-minded community, especially for those who feel marginalized or disenfranchised by societal norms .

Psychologically, those who feel disillusioned, anxious, or powerless may be more inclined to adopt conspiracy theories like flat Earth beliefs, as these provide a sense of control or understanding in an uncertain world .

**Conventions and Events** Flat Earth conventions and events play a crucial role in fostering community among believers, promoting their views, and providing a platform for discussion and dissemination of flat Earth theories.

Notable events include the Flat Earth International Conference, which has been held in countries such as the United States and Canada, attracting both supporters and skeptics .

These gatherings often include speakers, workshops, and discussions focused on flat Earth theory, its implications, and the community’s perspectives .

The community aspect of these events is significant, as they foster a strong sense of belonging and shared identity among participants, appealing especially to individuals who feel marginalized or skeptical of mainstream narratives .

An example of cultural engagement with the movement is the "Flat Earth VR" project showcased at the 2022 Sundance Film Festival, which explored the diversity of flat Earth beliefs and highlighted that the movement is not united by a single belief but rather by a shared disbelief in mainstream science .

**Media Representation and Impact** Media portrayals of flat Earth beliefs often frame them as fringe or absurd, which can lead to dismissive attitudes toward believers.

**Media Representation and Impact** Media portrayals of flat Earth beliefs often frame them as fringe or absurd, which can lead to dismissive attitudes toward believers.

However, this coverage can inadvertently legitimize the movement by drawing attention to it, potentially increasing interest and recruitment among those alienated by mainstream narratives .

The presence of flat Earth discussions in popular culture, podcasts, and film festivals further amplifies the movement’s visibility .

The movement’s arguments, rooted in conspiracy theories and pseudoscience, reject established scientific facts and can undermine scientific literacy and critical thinking skills, particularly among young people exposed to