The conspiracy theory connecting "rent boys" to Keir Starmer | James O'Brien - YouTube
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When a baseless conspiracy theory targets a sitting prime minister, it's a textbook case of how disinformation spreads through social media ecosystems — and why debunking alone rarely stops it.
Disinformation TheoryIllusory Truth EffectMoral PanicSocial Contagion
Theory Briefing
- James O'Brien's LBC show dissects X posts spreading a baseless 'rent boy' conspiracy theory targeting UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
- The viral smear illustrates how fringe claims migrate from fringe platforms to mainstream attention through outrage and repetition.
- Conspiracy theorists exploit the 'illusory truth effect' — repeated exposure to false claims makes them feel more credible over time.