Why German Youth Are Turning to Conspiracy Theories—and How to Stop It
A major study has uncovered deep-rooted distrust among young people in Germany, linking it to the spread of conspiracy theories. The 2022 youth survey revealed that over a third of 12- to 16-year-olds believed the media deliberately withheld or twisted information. Researchers now warn that short-term prevention efforts are failing to tackle the problem effectively.
The REDACT project, led by the University of Tübingen, spent years analysing how conspiracy theories develop and spread online. Its findings, published after the project concluded in October 2025, showed these theories often start locally in German-speaking regions before embedding themselves in wider networks of alternative news and political debates. Unlike simple disinformation, conspiracy theories were found to give followers a sense of identity and community.
Current prevention work in Germany faces major obstacles. Many initiatives struggle with unstable funding, excessive bureaucracy, and outdated methods. The study also highlighted that distrust in media and institutions goes hand in hand with a higher likelihood of believing conspiracy narratives. To combat this, the REDACT team recommends sweeping changes. Schools should expand media literacy programmes beyond academic Gymnasien to include all school types and vocational colleges. Older adults, identified as a particularly vulnerable group, need targeted support. The report stresses that quick fact-checking alone won’t work. Instead, long-term dialogue-based approaches—combining patience, detailed explanations, and tailored communication—are needed to rebuild trust and encourage fact-based discussion.
The research points to a need for systemic change in how Germany addresses conspiracy theories. Schools, media literacy programmes, and civic education must adapt to reach wider audiences and focus on long-term engagement. Without addressing the deeper societal roots of distrust, experts warn, current efforts will continue to fall short.
