July 26, 2026Open Access
From Calendars to Colliders: Understanding How Scientific Confusion and Cultural Mythmaking Create Lifelong Catastrophic Illusions
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Implication
This work examines how cultural myths and misunderstandings create catastrophic beliefs in society, indicating a need for clearer science communication.
Key Points
- This work explores the emergence of catastrophic end-of-world beliefs from misunderstood scientific concepts and cultural myths.
- Interdisciplinary approach combining cognitive psychology, cultural anthropology, sociology, and science communication.
- Analysis of case studies on the 2012 Mayan calendar panic and CERN’s Large Hadron Collider.
- Identification of mechanisms like hyperactive agency detection and media amplification that contribute to public panic.
- Identified cognitive biases and cultural mythmaking as key factors in the formation of catastrophic beliefs.
- Mapped the process from confusion to panic, revealing emotional narratives shaped by misinformation.
- Provided a framework for preventing future waves of panic through improved public understanding and communication.
Cite This Study
Matthew Arthur Carlo (2026) studied this question.