How conspiracy theories get inside our heads and take hold — Ariel Bogle, Cam Wilson, Gavin Fang, Tracey Kirkland

Conspiracy theories have always been with us, but now they're finding new ways to get inside our heads and take hold — and Australia is seeding some uniquely homegrown varieties. Investigative technology journalists Ariel Bogle and Cam Wilson went down the rabbit hole for their book Conspiracy Nation: Exposing the dangerous world of Australian conspiracy theories. To discuss the why, what, and how of conspiratorial thinking, they join seasoned editorial leaders Gavin Fang and Tracey Kirkland, co-editors of Age of Doubt: Building Trust in a World of Misinformation and Pandemedia: How COVID changed Journalism. This event was held at the 2025 Canberra Writers Festival. Speakers Ariel Bogle Investigations reporter specialising in technology, internet and the law Guardian Australia Cam Wilson Associate Editor, Crikey Journalist specialising in technology, internet culture, and politics Editor of the daily technology newsletter, The Sizzle Tracey Kirkland Managing editor, ABC News Journalist Gavin Fang (host) Editorial director, Australian Broadcasting Corporation Journalist and editor