Birds Aren’t Real and Other Tales: Folklore’s Wild Side in the Digital Age

It’s easy to dismiss conspiracy theories as modern oddities, but folklore scholar Andrea Kitta reveals they’re deeply woven into our cultural fabric. Far from being fringe, these stories—like the viral claim that birds are government drones—echo age-old legends and reflect how communities make sense of uncertainty. Kitta’s research shows that conspiracy theories thrive in echo chambers, fueled by memes, humor, and digital storytelling. These narratives aren’t just about belief; they’re about belonging, skepticism, and the power of shared stories. From rumors during World War II to pandemic-era anxieties, each generation crafts its own myths to explain the unexplainable. Whether it’s the Loch Ness Monster or microchip fears, these tales reveal more about our collective imagination than about hidden truths. In the end, folklore reminds us that the line between fact and fiction is often drawn by the stories we choose to share. #FolkloreStudies #ConspiracyCulture #DigitalTraditions #Culture