Final answer:
The Pizzagate scandal relied on negative societal views surrounding conspiracy theories, distrust in institutions, and the power of tabloid media.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Pizzagate scandal relied on negative societal views surrounding conspiracy theories, distrust in institutions, and the power of tabloid media. The scandal falsely alleged that a pizza restaurant in Washington, D.C. was running a child sex trafficking ring, which tapped into people's existing fears and suspicions about government corruption and the exploitation of children.
The scandal gained traction because it played into a larger narrative of elitism, distrust in the government and media, and the belief that powerful individuals were engaging in nefarious activities. These negative societal views provided a fertile ground for the spread of disinformation and the success of the Pizzagate scandal.