Unpacking the Hurricane Helene Conspiracy Theories Flooding Social Media
Friday, 4 October 2024, 20:46
The Rise of Conspiracy Theories Post-Hurricane Helene
Conspiracy theories have a habit of surfacing after natural disasters, and Hurricane Helene is no exception. As the death toll exceeded 200, theorists are passionately spreading inaccurate claims about the storm.
Misinformation on Social Media Platforms Like TikTok
- One popular theory suggests that the storm was engineered.
- This theory connects Hurricane Helene to a potential land grab for lithium mining in North Carolina.
- A TikTok user asserted, “That one of the areas affected by Hurricane Helene is the world’s largest lithium deposit.”
According to Richard Rood, a climate professor at the University of Michigan, Hurricane Helene is influenced by climate change. While he dismisses the notion of weaponizing weather, he acknowledges its role in fueling conspiracy theories.
This article was prepared using information from open sources in accordance with the principles of Ethical Policy. The editorial team is not responsible for absolute accuracy, as it relies on data from the sources referenced.