That’s an interesting perspective about the AZ vaccine I hadn’t actually considered before.
I think the way that social media algorithms have rapidly changed in recent years also has a lot to answer for when it comes to the spread of conspiracy theories and misinformation. With platforms like twitter and tiktok, all it takes is putting one like on a video from an antivax/CT page, and suddenly your entire timeline just gets bombarded with suggestions to follow all sorts of pages spreading fake news. Eventually it gets to a point where it becomes quite difficult to differentiate between what’s real and what isn’t.
To get back on topic, when it comes to conspiracy theories, I don’t think there’s anything wrong with challenging authority or asking difficult questions. My issue is with those who throw out these ridiculous, utterly unfounded allegations against completely innocent individuals who have unfortunately found themselves caught up in this case, and then claim that they’re the ones being ‘silenced’ or ‘attacked’ when someone asks them to back it up with a bit of evidence. Some of the accusations being made here have real impacts on people’s lives, doctors like Gibbs and Evans are NOT under investigation here, yet there are people who think it’s perfectly acceptable to slander and accuse them of utterly heinous crimes despite there being no evidence for it whatsoever. I think it’s appalling and frankly I hope that anyone who does this gets sued for defamation of character.
I posted my comment before seeing this, but what I’ve written above applies.
As I say, I don’t have an issue with asking questions, I myself thought Letby was innocent until quite far into this trial. It’s the ridiculous and reputation damaging theories that people like Gill and a small group of people who clearly have personal issues with the NHS are throwing out against individuals that I disagree with.
I think it’s very wrong and at the end of the day, the scapegoat theory quite literally *is* a conspiracy theory imo. It’s accusing a group of people of secretly conspiring against LL to fit her up for something she hasn’t done.