Conspiracies are secret plans made by a group of people to achieve a specific goal, often involving deceit or illegal activities. These plans can range from political schemes to corporate fraud, and they usually operate outside of public knowledge. The term is often associated with theories that suggest hidden motives behind significant events, such as government actions or historical incidents. Many conspiracies gain traction through social media and word of mouth, leading to widespread belief despite a lack of evidence. While some conspiracies have been proven true, many others are based on speculation and misinformation, highlighting the importance of critical thinking and fact-checking in understanding such claims.