AUSTIN— Experts are weighing in on the topic of conspiracy theories after Hillary Clinton was caught on tape stumbling into a van.
Though many factors play a role in the rise of conspiracy theories, experts say they all boil down to a distrust in government—which begins with a significant change in society.
UT professor Keith Livers said the last century has seen a dramatic rise in the number of conspiracy theories, in particular the wake of the JFK assassination. Afterward, Americans saw the Watergate Scandal unfold, which some argue leveled Americans' trust in government.
However Livers said it is not simply about distrust in government itself, but that conspiracy theories are also born from distrust in individuals.
“Conspiracy theory offers a very convenient, and easy, sort of understandable vehicle for explaining those shifts,” he said.
Livers continued to say that while it is probably beneficial for public figures to be forthcoming about personal matters like their health, the truth is that it's simply unrealistic and as a result conspiracy theorists feel validated.
Hillary Clinton will continue campaigning this week after cancelling appearances at rallies in California.