Days of Darkness: How one woman escaped the conspiracy theory trap that has ensnared millions

Ramona stands for a portrait Tuesday, Oct. 10, 2023, in Cordova, Tenn. ‘The world is scary enough without conspiracy theories,’ she says. ‘But when you believe them, at least they can give you answers. If you’re scared of the unknown,’ conspiracy theories offer ‘an answer, no matter how farfetched it is.’ — AP

WASHINGTON: At first his stories seemed harmless. Tales about secret organisations plotting to take over the world, about the good guys working to save it, and about the proof that, if you knew where to look, was hiding in plain sight.

To Ramona, her boyfriend Don’s tales of conspiracy theories sounded like a movie. A lot of it didn’t make much sense, but Ramona would nod along anyway. Don enjoyed telling his stories and showing off what he’d read online. He always knew the answer.