THE COMMUNITY APPEAL OF CONSPIRACY MOVEMENTS
SCHOOL : Trinity Business School Trinity College Dublin, Ireland
Deep-diving into the mechanics of a popular conspiracy theory can be highly engrossing – for example, watching someone passionately explain why they believe the earth is flat, or that the moon landing was staged, or even that every world leader is involved in the Illuminati. For most people, consumption of this form of content doesn’t go beyond entertainment but others start to believe in the theories being propagated; the question is why. A new study co-authored by Trinity Business School assistant professor Stephen Murphy suggests that a primary reason lies in the sense of community felt by fellow conspiracy theorists and is a striking departure from the stereotypical image of a tinfoil hat-wearing loner. Conducted in collaboration with researchers at the University of Bath School of Management, the study found that the beginnings of belief in a conspiracy theory are often linked to a traumatic life event, after which people experience ‘awakenings’. Initial interest can also fill a void for those who are lonely and seek interaction with others, not least in the context of the decline of traditional community spaces, such as high streets and pubs. In this sense, conspiracy theories allow people to come together, build on ideas and feel like they are part of something. While this sounds positive, there are some clear risks to believing in conspiracy theories. Among the most serious identified in the research are isolation from friends and family, and for those involved in related activism, getting into trouble with the law. There is also the added problem of conspiracy entrepreneurs; those who capitalise on conspiracy theories to build fame and fortune, by selling products and services to those who support these ideas. The study is based on five years of research into the motivations of those on the cusp of becoming conspiracy theorists, as well as immersion in the meetings and events such communities hold. It seeks to extend sociological theories of conspiracy movements and resonance. EB
Insper has launched an artificial intelligence (AI) centre at its campus in São Paulo, in collaboration with the Indian multinational, Tata Consultancy Services (TCS). The TCS AI-Powered Research & Innovation Centre is designed to bring together clients, partners, startups, academia and companies, with the goal of driving business innovation through AI and other emerging technologies. Insper president Guilherme Martins highlighted the centre’s potential benefits, declaring that it will create opportunities for its community “to innovate, solve complex problems and help deliver positive outcomes for Brazil and Latin America”. The centre forms part of a partnership established last year that pledged R$50 million (cUSD$9 million) towards expanding innovation initiatives in Brazil over the next 10 years through collaborative actions. It offers access to TCS’s global research ecosystem and will feature labs specialising in AI, cybersecurity, robotics and prototyping from an enviable location in the newly renovated Rua Quatá 67 building in São Paulo’s Vila Olímpia district. “The inauguration of the new space on the Insper campus, along with the collaboration with TCS, reinforces our school’s mission to drive Brazil’s transformation through innovation,” detailed Rodrigo Amantea, head of the Paulo Cunha Innovation and Entrepreneurship Hub at Insper. “This partnership will not only enhance our capacity to develop cutting-edge engineering and computer science projects addressing real business challenges but also expand the learning opportunities and experiences we offer to our students.” Insper joins a number of other institutions in teaming up with TCS, including Cornell Tech in New York and Imperial College London, and will act as one of the Mumbai-headquartered company’s global innovation hubs, known as Pace Ports. “Our partnership with Insper is a fantastic launchpad to leverage the academic and industrial ecosystem within Brazil. The innovation centre reinforces our role as a strategic partner for industries, accelerating their transformation journey and promoting sustainable, business, social and economic growth in the region,” enthused TCS CTO Harrick Vin. TBD NEW AI HUB AIMS TO PROPEL INNOVATION & TRANSFORMATION SCHOOL : Insper, Brazil
10 Ambition • ISSUE 5 • 2025
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