If you are someone who often finds yourself caught in the rabbit hole of conspiracy theories, spending hours diving into the depths of mysterious online forums, then you would be interested in today’s topic as well! No, we are not here to give you another conspiracy theory. But do stick with us!
And if you are not a conspiracy geek, then perhaps you’ve witnessed friends, family members, or even celebrities embracing these outlandish ideas. Today, let’s get on an intriguing journey into the psychology of conspiracy theories. What will we do? We’ll unravel the secrets behind their widespread appeal and their surprising impact on our society!
If you are wondering what conspiracy theories are, imagine you’re reading a really exciting mystery book, but instead of fictional characters, it’s about real-life events. Conspiracy theories are like those mysterious stories, but they suggest that powerful people or groups secretly control things and make important events happen. Some stories go way back to ancient times, talking about secret societies ruling the world. Others are more recent and these stories have fascinated people for a long time.
Let’s Look At The “Why?”
It turns out that there are several reasons why people may actually believe in conspiracies and some are beyond the normal explanations. Starting with the most obvious one!
- Need for control and certainty:
We all naturally seek order and certainty because life may be unpredictable and chaotic. In a complex world, conspiracy theories provide a feeling of order and understanding. They offer a narrative in which secret forces are in charge, which makes everything seem more controllable and explainable.
- Cognitive biases and heuristics:
Biases and heuristics are mental shortcuts that are pre-programmed in our brains and can affect how we think. Despite being useful in numerous situations, these mental shortcuts can occasionally mislead us when it comes to processing data and making judgements.
- The most common cognitive distortion, known as “confirmation bias,” is a significant contributor to conspiracy theories. We all naturally have a tendency to give more weight to evidence that confirms our existing beliefs and disregard evidence that does the opposite.
- Illusory pattern perception: Our brains are wired to look for patterns, even when they may not actually exist. In order to create the impression that everything is connected and planned, conspiracy theories often depict a series of events or coincidences as an element of a larger pattern.
- In-group/out-group biases: We have a natural tendency to favour people who are similar to us (in-group) and be suspicious or dismissive of those who are different (out-group). By clearly outlining a “us versus them” narrative, conspiracy theories can build a sense of belonging among believers.
Hold On, There’s More!
- Psychological motives: Deep-rooted psychological needs also play a significant role in the allure of conspiracy theories.
- Epistemic motives (need for knowledge): Finding causes for events is an essential part of establishing a solid, accurate, and internally consistent view of the world. This is known as an epistemic motive (desire for knowledge). Conspiracy theories offer a sense of secret knowledge, promising to reveal hidden truths that the mainstream narrative may be hiding.
- Existential motives (need for meaning and purpose): We all want to find meaning and purpose in our lives. Early theories of conspiracy theory stated that when these demands are threatened, people turn to conspiracies for compensatory gratification. They provide an alternative explanation for significant events, offering a narrative that gives life a sense of meaning and purpose.
- Social motives (need for belonging and uniqueness): No surprise that humans have a basic drive to belong to a group and to feel unique. Conspiracy theories often create a sense of community among believers, where they feel connected to like-minded individuals who share their beliefs. Additionally, subscribing to these theories can make individuals feel original and smart, setting them apart from the mainstream crowd.
Who Are The Believers?
Let’s delve more deeply into the psychological factors that influence whether or not people believe in these theories. People are typically more likely to believe in conspiracies if they have an overall distrust of authority, institutions, or the mainstream media. Even those who lack confidence in themselves or feel less in control of their lives may be more receptive to conspiracy ideas. Why? Because believing in these theories can provide a sense of empowerment. Let’s look at some personality traits associated with it!
- High openness to experience: Conspiracy theories may be more appealing to people who have a great sense of imagination, novelty, and outlandish ideas.
- Low agreeableness: People with low agreeableness tend to be sceptical, challenging conventional wisdom and authority. They may be more open to the alternative explanations offered by conspiracy theories because of their keen intellect and desire to challenge the status quo.
- High paranoia and suspiciousness: Individuals who exhibit high levels of paranoia and suspiciousness may obviously be more prone to believing in conspiracy theories. Their tendency to perceive hidden motives and suspicious activities in everyday situations can lead them to interpret events through a conspiratorial lens.
The Domino Effect And What To Do About It
While it may seem like it, conspiracy theories aren’t just harmless stories. People with different opinions may become even more divided as a result of conspiracy theories. They create an “us versus them” mentality, fueling animosity and making it harder to find common ground.
When people accept alternative theories, they could develop scepticism towards reliable informational sources like the media, science, or governmental organisations. In some cases, conspiracy theories can directly lead to real-world harm and inspire acts of violence, fuel hate crimes, or provoke social unrest.
Conspiracy theories can greatly impact our society, so it’s important to understand their effects. By promoting critical thinking, relying on evidence, and rebuilding trust in institutions, we can protect our communities and create a safer, more united future. It’s like unravelling a mystery to make the world a better place!
