theorypedia
← Back to feed

So much the worse for the facts? - EDMO

edmo.eu

FIFA flagged racism as the top abuse on social media during the World Cup — so why do match-fixing conspiracy theories keep spreading anyway?

Institutional Trust TheoryConspiracy TheorySocial Identity TheoryMisinformation Diffusion
So much the worse for the facts? - EDMO

Theory Briefing

  • FIFA identified racism as the dominant form of social media abuse during the World Cup, outpacing other forms of harassment.
  • Claims that the Algeria-Austria match was "fixed" circulated widely despite no stated evidence, showing how suspicion fills gaps in trust.
  • When institutions are distrusted, people reach for conspiracy over coincidence — even in the absence of supporting facts.