Flat Earth: Why People Still Believe in It Today? [ Dunning-Kruger effect leads people with less knowledge to overestimate their understanding, making them more confident in false beliefs.]

Despite all the evidence proving the Earth is round, the Flat Earth theory continues to hold ground in many circles. This is  an opportunity to look deeper into why some people reject facts and embrace  theories that can be easily refuted with academic data . By looking at the history, psychology, and role of modern media, we can better understand why Flat Earth beliefs are still so popular in these circles.

The History of Flat Earth Thinking

The idea that the Earth is flat isn't new, but it’s often misunderstood. 

Many modern Flat Earthers seem unaware that even the ancient Greeks already figured out the Earth was round. Philosophers like Pythagoras and Aristotle used logical arguments and simple observations, like the Earth’s shadow on the moon, to prove its shape. During the Middle Ages, educated people knew the Earth wasn’t flat, and the myth that Columbus was trying to disprove it is just that—a myth.

In fact, by Giordano Bruno's time (the late 16th century), the spherical nature of the Earth was widely accepted by educated Europeans, thanks to earlier thinkers like the ancient Greeks. Bruno was executed primarily for his religious and philosophical views, which were considered heretical by the Catholic Church. He supported ideas like the infinity of the universe, the existence of multiple worlds (some possibly inhabited), and he challenged core Catholic doctrines like the Trinity and the divinity of Christ. These ideas put him at odds with the Church.

The current Flat Earth movement has its roots in the 19th century, with Samuel Rowbotham’s work Zetetic Astronomy. His ideas laid the groundwork for what we see today. Historically, when people have felt threatened by change—whether social, religious, or political—they’ve often clung to simple, alternative worldviews like Flat Earth as a way to resist other ideas.

Theories, like Flat Earth, often thrive in times when people don’t trust institutions or when misinformation spreads easily. 

Psychologically, it comes down to a few key ideas. 

Motivated reasoning is when people only look for information that supports what they already believe. 

Confirmation bias means ignoring facts that contradict their views. 

And the Dunning-Kruger effect leads people with less knowledge to overestimate their understanding, making them more confident in false beliefs.

There’s also a strong social factor: believing in a conspiracy like Flat Earth gives people a sense of belonging. It creates an "us versus them" mentality, where believers feel smarter than those who trust in science. This idea becomes part of their identity, making it even harder to change their minds.

The Internet's Role in Flat Earth’s Comeback

In today’s world, social media platforms like YouTube, Facebook, and Twitter make it easier for fringe ideas to spread. Flat Earth theory, like many other  theories, has found a massive audience online. Algorithms push content that grabs attention, and sensational ideas like Flat Earth thrive in this environment. This creates echo chambers where believers are surrounded only by like-minded people and are shielded from opposing views.

Flat Earthers also misuse scientific terms and ideas to back up their claims, like misunderstanding flight paths or how water behaves. They often mix these ideas with larger conspiracies about NASA, space exploration, and government lies.

Science Debunks Flat Earth

The scientific evidence proving Earth is round is overwhelming. 

From gravity (which pulls everything toward the center, forming spheres) to astronomical observations (like the shadow Earth casts on the moon during a lunar eclipse), there are countless ways to prove the globe model. 

Modern technology, like satellite images and footage from the International Space Station, also clearly shows Earth as round.

Despite all this, many Flat Earthers remain skeptical. Part of the problem is that traditional science education doesn’t always tackle the emotional or identity-based reasons people reject science. Teaching facts alone isn’t enough when people feel their beliefs are tied to their personal or social identity.

What Flat Earth Means for Public Trust in Science

The Flat Earth movement is just one example of a bigger problem: declining trust in science and authority figures. As more people turn to this/ similar theories, it’s becoming harder to communicate scientific truths.

Flat Earth beliefs aren’t just about whether the Earth is round—they’re a reflection of a deeper crisis in public trust toward science and institutions. In a world where information is increasingly fragmented, it’s very important than ever to find ways to reconnect the public with scientific knowledge and encourage curiosity, critical thinking, and trust.

"In an age where information is scattered and distorted, the pursuit of science must not only seek truth but inspire curiosity and foster trust, for it is through critical thinking that society finds its way back to understanding." — A Carl Sagan Quote.

Olofin VIA [ 4Qua of Orion ]