Spencer Pratt buried in fact checks after pushing new election conspiracy theory - Raw Story
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Spencer Pratt's viral election conspiracy claim reveals how celebrity status turbocharges misinformation spread — and why fact-checkers struggle to keep up with motivated reasoning.
Motivated ReasoningMisinformation TheoryParasocial Relationship TheoryAvailability Heuristic
Theory Briefing
- Reality TV star Spencer Pratt promoted a new election conspiracy theory while campaigning for LA mayor, amplifying it to a mass audience.
- Fact-checkers quickly debunked his claims, illustrating how motivated reasoning lets people accept false narratives that confirm their existing beliefs.
- Pratt's celebrity platform supercharges misinformation reach, a textbook case of how parasocial trust converts fame into political influence.