Spot a Theory

Is the theory unfalsifiable? (No possible evidence could disprove it)

Red flag: Unfalsifiability

Does explaining away objections require making the conspiracy bigger?

Red flag: Self-sealing reasoning

Does it require an implausibly large number of people keeping a secret?

Red flag: Ever-larger conspiracy

Does it rely on cherry-picked evidence while ignoring the broader picture?

Red flag: Cherry-picked evidence

Are the key sources discredited, retracted, or from non-experts?

Red flag: Discredited sources

Does it imply believers have 'secret knowledge' that the masses can't see?

Red flag: Forbidden knowledge

Do proponents claim that criticism proves the theory is true?

Red flag: Persecution claims

Has the theory shifted its claims when previous versions were debunked?

Red flag: Shifting claims

Does it focus on minor anomalies while ignoring the overwhelming evidence?

Red flag: Anomaly hunting

Does it connect unrelated events as if they were coordinated?

Red flag: Connecting unrelated dots