Source: Fresh Student Living

Beyoncé and the Illuminati, aliens and crop circles, lizard people. Most people love fun conspiracy theories about the world we live in, but some are more popular than others depending on where you live.

To find out more about the mysteries that grab our attention, we analysed data from the last 12 months to uncover the most Googled conspiracy theories, legends and myths around the world.

Aside from hugely popular searches around alien activity, lizard people and the moon landing, the Avril Lavigne and Denver Airport conspiracies are two of the most popular across both countries.

Some people still believe the conspiracy theory that Avril Lavigne died, and was cloned by a lookalike named Melissa. Similar stories have surfaced over the years about different celebrities, like Paul McCartney, which spurred the ‘Paul is dead’ conspiracy theory.

When it comes to Denver Airport, the story goes that it was built by the New World Order and is home to the sprawling underground headquarters of the Illuminati.

Top Conspiracy Searches All Over the World

Alien Activity

When you’re online, searching about unexplained mysteries, chances are you’re also reading about alien abductions and UFO sightings, just like everyone else in the 26 countries we analysed.

Topics around unexplained alien activity ranked highest on the list of Google searches virtually everywhere, with mysteries like crop circles, Area 51 and UFOs being the favourites.

Number of people Googling ‘crop circles’ each month:

• America – 33,100
• UK – 9,900
• France – 9,900
• India – 6,600
• Italy – 1,900

Mythical Monsters

Both America and Spain topped the rankings with searches for mythical beasts in the last 12 months. In the US, 21,000 people asked Google if Big Foot is Real, while its slightly less famous cousin, The Yeti, was a favourite in Spain, with 320 people asking questions about its existence.

The Loch Ness Monster, one of the most famous Scottish legends, also cropped up in Google searches this year from almost every country. Last year, YouGov asked nearly 4,000 people in the UK whether they believe in the Loch Ness Monster. 71% said no against just 15% who said yes, although 12% admitted to not knowing either way, which means the verdict is still out!

Number of people Googling ‘Loch Ness Monster’ each month:

• America – 4,400
• UK – 2,900
• Italy – 1,900
• Australia – 590
• Canada – 390

Celebrities

Some of the best conspiracy theories involve celebrities being cloned, the Illuminati and lizard people. In Russia, there are around 70 searches for ‘is Elvis alive?’ every month, which means the old conspiracy about the King being spotted out and about is still doing the rounds.

Two of the most Googled celebrity Illuminati myths involve Lady Gaga and Beyoncé, with people in France, Hong Kong, Slovakia, Thailand and South Africa all searching similar topics in the last 12 months.

Number of people Googling ‘Beyoncé and Illuminati’ each month:

• America – 4,400
• UK – 720
• South Africa – 480
• Germany – 390
• Canada – 320

The Moon Landing

It’s an old conspiracy theory but definitely one of the most popular. One of the most famous pieces of ‘evidence’ to support the idea that the moon landing was fake are images and videos of the US flag flapping on a windless moon. These have been thoroughly debunked, but this historical moment has always had its sceptics.

Number of people Googling ‘moon landing fake’ each month:

• UK – 4,400
• India – 2,400
• Philippines – 480
• Norway – 390
• Ireland – 390

Conspiracy Theories that Keep Resurfacing

Some of the biggest conspiracy theories tend to die down and resurface every few years.

• Searches for whether Prince Charles is a vampire are still happening every month around the world, although in much smaller numbers. Around 20 people search for this each month in the UK and US.
• ‘Meghan Markle robot’ is another persistent theory that appears in searches in almost every country analysed. Around 110 people search for it each month in the UK.
• The ‘Catcher in the Rye’ conspiracy theory, which claims the book is a trigger for trained CIA sleeper assassins, still has traction, with 140 people searching for it monthly in the US.
• People also still wonder whether Keanu Reeves is immortal, thanks to a decade-old theory that his likeness has been captured in paintings and photographs throughout history. Around 210 people in the US search for this monthly.

Why do so many people believe conspiracy theories?

According to Psychology Today, one of the main reasons why conspiracy theories are so appealing is that they offer explanations for seemingly random and inexplicable events, helping us feel more in control. ‘When a conspiracy theory pops up, claiming to make sense of the insensible, it can be pretty appealing.’

Confirmation bias also plays a big part, in that most people tend to seek out information that supports what they already believe. If you’re already on board with a specific theory, you’ll probably only look for articles, writers and videos that reinforce it, without even realising.

Please note:

Conspiracy theories can often be intriguing, mysterious and fun, but things like lizard people and Elvis sightings can also become a slippery slope into much darker and sinister territory. If you do enjoy delving into conspiracy theories, remember to research evidence that both supports and refutes the idea, trust science and be respectful of those around you!

Source: Fresh Student Living