After reading the essay, "Why Rational People Buy into Conspiracy Theories," answer the following questions. Provide specific details to justify your reasoning:

1. What is a conspiracy theory? Identify and discuss at least two recent conspiracy theories mentioned on the news, social media, and/or internet. 
2. How does the Internet and other media help "perpetuate paranoia" (12)?
3. Why do you think "rational people buy into conspiracy theories"?