USA Today: April 2024 total solar eclipse renews debunked flat Earth conspiracy theories
Social media expert Jeffrey Blevins says eclipse misinformation is picking up speed
Even though the ancient Greeks figured out the Earth was round around 500 B.C. —and it’s been commonly accepted by scholars, navigators and cartographers — flat earth conspiracy theorists still exist, according to an article in USA Today.
In tandem, the April 2024 solar eclipse will certainly feed into the belief that if you travel too far in one direction you would fall off the edge of the earth.
Jeffrey Blevins, PhD, is a professor of journalism with dual appointments in UC's Department of Journalism and School of Public and International Affairs. Photo/Andrew Higley/UC Marketing + Brand.
“I’m already seeing it more and more as we get closer to the April 8 eclipse,” UC’s Jeffrey Blevins, a professor of journalism who studies social media and disinformation, stated in the article.
Blevins is among the experts cited who say the debunked "flat Earth" conspiracy theory doesn't slow down when an eclipse happens.
“They’re not just primed to believe the Earth is flat, they’re primed to believe you can’t trust science, academics, the media or government,” he said. “And it might also lead you to see other extremist views as plausible.”
Pointing to flat Earth theory as one of the oldest conspiracy theories, Blevins stated that it gained traction with early social media.
Blevins is a leading scholar in U.S. telecommunication law and policy, and critical political economy theory and is the co-author of “Social Media, Social Justice and the Political Economy of Online Networks.” He is a trusted media resource, and he has provided expertise on electronic media regulation and Federal Communications Commission policymaking to international, national, regional and local news media.
Featured image at top of solar eclipse: iStock Photo/Giannovi
Impact Lives Here
The University of Cincinnati is leading public urban universities into a new era of innovation and impact. Our faculty, staff and students are saving lives, changing outcomes and bending the future in our city's direction. Next Lives Here.
Related Stories
GBBN presents Creative Impact Award during inaugural DAAPworks 2026 ceremony
June 17, 2026
GBBN served as industry jury partner and presented Creative Impact Awards during DAAPworks 2026, recognizing exemplary architecture student projects at UC during the inaugural DAAPworks ceremony led by new DAAP Dean Stephanie Pilat.
Hollywood insiders name CCM grad Spencer Lackey as up-and-coming horror director
June 16, 2026
Since graduating from UC's College-Conservatory of Music, Spencer Lackey (BFA Acting, '17) has established himself as a buzz-worthy creator of short-form horror content. Lackey's TikTok, Instagram and YouTube channels have attracted millions of followers and his work has increasingly caught the attention of entertainment industry insiders. Now, his career may be entering an exciting new phase: The Hollywood Reporter recently named Lackey as a potential "next big thing in the horror space."
AI is rewriting brand marketing strategies. Here’s how to stay ahead
June 16, 2026
The marketing industry is being transformed as AI allows for faster ideation and production. Learn how brands can stay at the forefront of marketing strategies.