Entre Particules et Conspirationnisme : la Communication du CERN et la Lutte contre les Théories du Complot en ligne

In the heart of the contemporary era, where the boundaries between science and speculation have become porous, the European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN) emerges as a hub for essential scientific discoveries. Faced with an information-saturated environment and conspiracy theories, CERN confronts the challenge of maintaining meaningful dialogue with the public while countering unfounded speculations. This thesis examines the communication strategies implemented by CERN during the third operational period of the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) and the tenth anniversary of the Higgs Boson in July 2022. Through the analysis of 56 social media posts and 36 articles published during this period, the study unveils how CERN deploys proactive communication to preserve scientific credibility and counteract conspiracy theories. The analysis reveals that CERN adopts a multifaceted approach, using public relations tactics and scientific discourse to defend its institution and science. This strategy reinforces the image of a united community against conspiratorial narratives. The strategic use of social media plays a central role, allowing CERN to reach a diverse audience and tailor its messages to the digital format. The study also emphasizes the importance of proactive and transparent communication to counter disinformation. CERN demonstrates that anticipating potential issues and clarifying erroneous speculations preserves public trust in science.