The Problem
Media and news narratives can be skewed depending on how they are presented, shaping public perception in subtle yet powerful ways. With the right framing, even the most outlandish ideas can appear credible. My project examines the conspiracy theory that “the government creates natural disasters”—a belief that has gained traction in certain circles. The challenge is to demonstrate how design, storytelling, and data visualization can make even the most unlikely narratives feel factual and persuasive.
Unnatural Disasters
The Solution
To explore the power of media influence, I designed a New York Times exposé, leveraging its reputation as a trusted news source. This project presents in-depth investigative stories, interviews, and compelling data visualizations that support the conspiracy theory as if it were fact. I also created an Instagram post mimicking the NYT's style to showcase how sensationalized, "clickbait"-style headlines are used to grab attention and manipulate perception online. By crafting both a realistic print piece and a social media deliverable, I highlight how misinformation can be structured to appear credible, prompting readers to question how they consume and interpret mainstream news and media.
