The Brief: As COVID-19 conspiracy theories about 5G spread, so do memes that make fun of them.
DEEP DIVE
A pervasive, but widely debunked conspiracy theory is spreading online that 5G is a cause of Coronavirus. Meme-makers are mocking this idea and those who support it via 5G conspiracy theory memes.
The theory itself posits that radiation from 5G towers has directly or indirectly caused the COVID-19 outbreak. Related theoriesย suggest that Bill Gates created the virus as a solution for overpopulation, that it is a hoax, or that it was planned out by those in power. Even before the Coronavirus pandemic, people have been spreading theories that 5G is dangerous to public health. Over 77 cell towers have been set on fire or vandalized in the UK since the COVID-19 outbreak began.
Social media is often a hotbed for the spread of conspiracy theories and fake news, but it can also be where such ideas are debunked, discredited, and made fun of. Memes about 5G conspiracy theories can be found on Facebook, Twitter, Reddit, and other popular platforms.
5G Conspiracy Theory Memes
Posted by Dank ADHD Memes on Saturday, 2 May 2020
An NPC argument meme:
Posted by Sergiu Fanea on Tuesday, 21 April 2020
My 5G tower brings all the Karens to my yard
— eโฟruham LinkedIn (@TweetThreadFred) May 13, 2020
Anti 5G protester frustrated his conspiracy video is taking so long to download
— ๐๐๐ ๐ฒ๐๐๐๐๐ (@chaser) May 11, 2020
Conspiracy theorists when they find out the Sun emits more radiation than 5G. pic.twitter.com/CkfabI8WtA
— Matt Scarisbrick ๐น (@M_Scarisbrick) May 12, 2020
On Reddit, 5G memes often point to Karens and anti-vaxers as the main proponents of 5G Coronavirus theories.
A Gordon Ramsay lemon/lime juice meme from his stint on Hot Ones: