Here’s what we know about the trolls floating mean-spirited conspiracy theories about Kate Middleton.
The strange and weird things captured on Google Maps
I love Google Maps. It’s one of those everyday tech tools that actually makes life easier. From finding late-night tacos to dodging traffic like a pro, it’s still the gold standard in navigation. (Sorry, Apple Maps, you’re catching up but not quite there yet.)
🗺️ Google Maps has charted nearly every inch of the planet, capturing jaw-dropping landscapes to hidden alleyways you didn’t know existed. And yes, every once in a while, it’ll still take you on the “scenic” route to work just to keep things interesting.
Along the way, its cameras have picked up some seriously strange and unexplained sights. Here are a few that’ll make you stop and think, “What on Earth is going on there?”
The desert ‘star’ of Kazakhstan
In a remote area of Kazakhstan, there’s a 1,200-foot five-pointed star carved into the land. Hello, conspiracy theories! We’re talking about secret societies and all manner of the occult.
But the real explanation? It’s an abandoned Soviet-era campground. The star is the outline of old walking paths.
The mysterious ‘doorway’ in Antarctica
A weird rectangular formation spotted in Antarctica sparked wild theories about a hidden “doorway” in the ice. Is it a secret compound or a door to an ancient civilization? Oh, the stories it could tell. I bet it’s a natural phenomenon, say an iceberg melting in place.
UFO-ish structure in New Mexico
In a remote mountainous region of New Mexico, there’s a big, white, disc-shaped object the collective internet really wants to believe is a crashed alien ship. It’s been there since at least 2003, with signs of wear and vegetation over time. A rainwater catchment basin is my best guess.
The island that ‘doesn’t exist’
There was once a mystery island in the Pacific Ocean that appeared on Google Maps but didn’t exist in real life. Sandy Island was marked on paper maps for over a century, yet when explorers tried to find it, there was nothing.
The biggest whack job post on Facebook that I've ever seen
© Gregor Jeric | Dreamstime.com
There has been no shortage of conspiracy theories being posted on Facebook during the pandemic. It is almost as if the coronavirus is affecting some people’s ability to think clearly.
Putting a Faraday cage over your router to block “harmful” 5G frequencies is just nonsensical. And as we have explained before, not only is this ineffective at stopping the spread of 5G, but it will also make your internet speeds worse!
Mystery (not) explained: Two months later, the White House says all those drones spotted over New Jersey weren’t foreign enemies or aliens. They were authorized by the FAA for research and “various other reasons.” Uh, what kind of research? No details. And the “various other reasons?” Insert conspiracy theories here.
Kate Middelton and the trolls
Now we know why the Princess of Wales has been out of the public eye. It’s time we stop giving attention to all the trolls and their conspiracy theories.
Emergency alert conspiracy theories and rumors
What are some of the rumors floating around online? Here’s a rundown, in one minute.
It's coming. The mother of all conspiracy theories.
Ever heard of the mark of the beast? Listen now to find out how new COVID-related tech could revive old conspiracy theories.
Travis Scott conspiracy theories are spreading
Have you heard about the travesty of Astroworld? Listen now to avoid the worst conspiracy theories on social media.
Does 5G cause cancer or other health problems?
The 5G revolution is here, and boy, has it caused a splash. Conspiracy theories spread through forums like tornadoes, whipping up fear about contamination and health issues. People are toppling cell phone towers, thinking they cause COVID-19. But how valid are these concerns? Kim sits down with radio wave expert Kenneth Foster, a University of Pennsylvania professor with all the facts. After this episode, you’ll be ready for the newest generation of wireless technology.
COVID-19 misinformation: Are you part of the problem?
A recent New York Times article focused on frustrated doctors in hospitals and private offices, who are battling not only COVID-19, but also the flood of online misinformation — the conspiracy theories and the outright lies. Are you an unwitting part of the problem?
Twitter gets serious with 5G conspiracy postings
Social media platforms are hotbeds for conspiracy theories, fake news, hate, violence and all manner of despicable content. Now Twitter is putting its proverbial foot down to at least one of these, and it’s high time.
YouTube allows Chinese conspiracy videos on Patient Zero
Rumors spread quickly, and conspiracy theories even faster. An American Army reservist is being terrorized following videos and social media posts claiming she’s the one who brought the coronavirus to China.
Coronavirus conspiracy theories on social media
In times of crisis, we’re all searching for reliable information. My advice: Steer clear of, well, most of social media. Here are some of the bizarre conspiracy theories nuts are spouting off right now, from government power grabs to 5G’s role in spreading the virus.
YouTube's poor decision to reduce conspiracy videos
YouTube’s new “plan” to combat conspiracy theories is to fact check videos using various third party links. The problem is that those links are going to potentially unreliable sources.