Conspiracy theories have always had a large following in the 'alternative beliefs' world. I mean, if you're going to believe certain shiny rocks give you certain special powers, why not believe in chemtrails or that you can stop a goats heart with your mind.
Sadly in recent years that world has been co-opted by far right hucksters and agitators. I know the cliche is that you move further right politically as you get older, but it's hard to see the progressive, liberal force that was the boomers in their heyday morph in this Trump supporting, conspiracy obsessing monster that's happy to march down the road side by side with actual bonafide card carrying fascists.