ThinkCritical.eu · Manipulation atlas
Sources and evidence“They're hiding it”
Claiming that authorities, the media or doctors are hiding something – it discredits any fact-check in advance.
The claim “they're hiding it from you” turns missing evidence into evidence: if no serious source reports it, that supposedly proves a conspiracy. It discredits anyone who might check the story before they even start.
A post says: “They won't tell you this on TV: ordinary herbal tea cures diabetes. Doctors know it, but they keep quiet because they'd lose patients.”
How to spot it
- “The media are silent”, “they won't tell you this”, “it'll be deleted”.
- Anyone who disagrees is supposedly part of the conspiracy or “paid off”.
- Instead of evidence you get a motive: “for the money”, “to keep their power”.
- Often comes with a call to share quickly.
How to check and what to do
- Look at what established media, experts or authorities say about it. If there is nothing anywhere, that is a warning sign – not proof of a cover-up.
- Search for the main claim together with the words “fact check” or “hoax” – fact-checking sites have often already examined similar claims.
- For health topics, ask a doctor or pharmacist – nobody forbids them to recommend what works.
Tip: Real scandals can be backed up with documents, names and dates. A conspiracy that can't be backed up with anything can't be disproved either – and that is the trick.
Full explanation and exercises:
thinkcritical.eu/en/manipulation-atlas/cover-up