How do you determine they are "nonsensical conspiracies"?

Could it be media induces in us a belief that we think ourselves "media competent", such that we begin to presume to know, without scrutiny?

... Certainly used to be my job, when I worked in advertising. Easier to induce in people, than to undo.

Few seem of a Socratic bent, such as "All I know is I know nothing. And sometimes I forget even that much.", preferring instead the feels of believing themselves smart and wise, not confronting the horror of how readily manipulated they are. ... Sorry for my part, doing that to everybody who saw the adverts and corporate branding I made when I was "just doing my job". Had I stayed in the industry, I dread to think what I'd be doing now with the power at the advertiser's/marketer's/propagandist's disposal, able to cold read smart phone users, 24/7.

I used to do it. And I'm not self deluded enough to think even my level of media awareness is in any way adequate a protection against it.

But having said that... Yes, better media awareness(/"competence"), than "a doctors degree". Having a doctorate makes sure you were obedient enough to get through the system, and makes you a special influencer target for such manipulations. Always seek another "2nd opinion".