Debunked Bill Gates tick theory resurfaces through MAHA social media claims
independent.co.uk
Viral conspiracy theories about Bill Gates and Pfizer-planted ticks reveal exactly how misinformation spreads and survives debunking — a textbook case of the illusory truth effect and motivated reasoning.
Illusory Truth EffectMotivated ReasoningConspiracy Theory EpistemologyAvailability Heuristic
Theory Briefing
- Debunked claims that Bill Gates engineered ticks to spread disease have resurfaced via MAHA social media, showing how refutation rarely kills a conspiracy theory.
- The Pfizer-planted-ticks narrative persists despite the company discontinuing its Lyme vaccine, illustrating how motivated reasoning overrides contradictory evidence.
- Each viral reshare on social media increases perceived credibility through mere repetition — a classic demonstration of the illusory truth effect in action.