What are your thoughts about the illuminati conspiracy? is it true?

I recently found out about this whole illuminati, freemasonry, skull and bones societies and am very very confused. It kind of make sense to me, but then again i keep thinking maybe it is a strategy used to reduce the fame of those famous celebrities. But according to the theory the main part is played by the politicians and all to control the mass. Even though my close people don't want to believe it and advice me not to too, i don't want to ignore it like that. Is the illuminati, freemasons and skull and bone society the same? Please tell me what you know and think about the illuminati and freemasonry.. thnx