A recent Eurobarometer survey reveals that 50% of Poles believe viruses are artificially created in laboratories to control populations, significantly higher than the EU average of 35%. This finding contrasts with increasing public trust in the benefits of science and technology, as 83% of EU citizens view science positively, and 67% believe it improves life.

Conducted in September and October 2024, the survey polled over 34,000 individuals across the EU and other countries, showing a worrying rise in conspiracy beliefs since 2021. For instance, 62% of Portuguese respondents and 50% of Poles endorse the idea that viruses are tools for population control, with Poland seeing a 10-percentage-point increase since 2021. Vaccine skepticism is also growing, with distrust rising by eight percentage points across the EU, and 21% of Poles expressing negative views. Additionally, nearly one-third of Poles believe humans coexisted with dinosaurs, and 52% attribute climate change to natural cycles rather than human activity.

Natalia Gruenpeter, a disinformation analyst, warns that conspiracy theories thrive on fear and uncertainty, eroding trust in institutions and endangering public health when people reject evidence-based treatments. Despite these trends, 58% of respondents across surveyed nations expressed interest in learning more about science, with 51% of Poles sharing this sentiment. Gruenpeter emphasizes the need for media literacy and trust-building communication to counter disinformation.

The survey highlights the dual challenge of combating misinformation while fostering scientific awareness, underscoring the importance of improving science education and public trust in institutions to mitigate the influence of conspiracy theories.