The White House has seen a surge in the influence of conspiracy theorists, with fringe ideas being incorporated into policy decisions. According to sources, a growing number of officials and advisors have been promoting unverified claims and theories, often with devastating consequences.

This trend is not isolated to the White House, however. Across the United States, institutions are facing increasing scrutiny and skepticism, with many citizens questioning the validity of established facts and scientific consensus. The COVID-19 pandemic has been cited as a major contributor to this shift, with prolonged periods of isolation and social distancing leading to a decline in trust in authority figures and institutions.

Experts point to the rise of social media and online echo chambers as a significant factor in the spread of conspiracy theories. Platforms such as Twitter and Facebook have enabled individuals to connect with like-minded individuals and access a vast array of unverified information, often with little to no fact-checking or critical evaluation. Generative AI, a type of artificial intelligence that can create human-like content, has also been implicated in the spread of misinformation, as it can be used to generate convincing but false narratives.

MIT Technology Review has launched a new series, "The New Conspiracy Age," to explore the intersection of technology and politics in the spread of conspiracy theories. The series aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the current landscape and offer insights into how to mitigate the effects of this trend.

"We've never seen a time when it's been easier to be a conspiracy theorist," said Dorian Lynskey, a contributing editor at MIT Technology Review. "The internet and social media have made it possible for people to access a vast array of information, but they've also created an environment in which misinformation can spread quickly and easily."

Lynskey's article, which kicks off the series, examines the ways in which technology has enabled the spread of conspiracy theories and the consequences of this trend. He argues that the current moment is not simply a product of technological advancements, but rather the result of a complex interplay between social, cultural, and economic factors.

As the series continues, MIT Technology Review will explore the impact of conspiracy theories on science and technology, as well as the efforts being made to combat the spread of misinformation. The series will also examine the role of technology companies in preventing the spread of conspiracy theories and promoting fact-based information.

The White House has yet to comment on the growing influence of conspiracy theorists within the administration. However, officials have acknowledged the need for greater transparency and accountability in the face of increasing skepticism and mistrust.

In the coming weeks, MIT Technology Review will continue to provide in-depth coverage of this critical issue, examining the complex interplay between technology, politics, and society.