معرفی
Natascha Hetzel is a Researcher at the Department of Communication Studies at the University of Hohenheim since May 2021. Her work focuses on conspiracy theories, disinformation, and their societal implications. She holds a Master's degree in Communication Management and Analysis from the University of Hohenheim, complemented by studies at the Universidade Católica Portuguesa in Porto.
Her research investigates factors influencing conspiracy beliefs, media portrayals of conspiracy adherents, and the interplay between social media consumption and public perception. Key contributions include analyses of conspiracy theory dynamics during the COVID-19 pandemic, media system effects on misinformation spread, and the cognitive biases associated with 'illusion of knowing' phenomena.
Recent work examines cross-national correlations between press freedom and pandemic-related conspiracy beliefs, as well as the role of individual personality traits and media systems in fostering conspiracy mentality. These studies were presented at high-profile conferences such as the European Communication Conference (ECREA) and the German Society for Journalism and Communication Studies (DGPuK).
Hetzel collaborates with institutions like the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution, contributing to interdisciplinary discussions on opinion formation in the digital age. Her research bridges communication theory with applied analyses of contemporary societal challenges.
