History has shown that, in times of uncertainty, people often like to jump to their own conclusions.

This is how conspiracy theories are born, says US author and cultural historian Colin Dickey.

Anxiety, paranoia, loneliness and a yearning for control in often uncontrollable circumstances all lead to conspiracy theories' proliferation, he tells ABC RN's Late Night Live.

How conspiracy theories became intertwined with prejudice and paranoia across the globe comes via ChinaTechNews.com.