Everything Is a ‘False Flag’ Now

The article discusses the growing prevalence of conspiracy theories about "false-flag" attacks in recent years. Historically, such theories have claimed that certain major events were staged or manipulated by the government or other actors for political purposes. However, the article notes that this mindset has become increasingly widespread, with virtually every significant news event now being labeled as a "false flag" by some individuals. The article suggests that this trend is driven by a broader erosion of trust in media and public institutions, leading some people to view even the most verified information as potentially fabricated or misleading. As a result, the label of "false flag" is being applied to a wide range of incidents, from mass shootings to natural disasters, undermining the public's ability to distinguish fact from fiction. The article highlights the challenges posed by this phenomenon, as the proliferation of such conspiracy theories can have real-world consequences, such as hindering effective responses to crises and eroding social cohesion.