Understanding Why People Believe in Conspiracy Theories

For decades, researchers have analyzed the root causes of why some people are more susceptible to conspiracy theories. Based on various meta-analyses of older research papers and multiple clinical studies, experts in social sciences, psychology, and other fields generated several explanations for why so many seem to descend into such murky rabbit holes.

There are several reasons why some individuals might be more prone to believing in conspiracy theories.

Some more apparent reasons include media influence, distrust of authorities, and underlying psychological factors. This means that some individuals may have personality traits, such as paranoia or a need for uniqueness, that make them more susceptible to conspiracy thinking. We all know someone who relishes the role of contrarian and always has to say the opposite of a widely held, popular belief. While not following the herd mindlessly is admirable, it becomes less noteworthy when done for a grift or just to be “difficult” and absent any objectively accurate data to support such (potentially dangerous) claims.

Experts in this area have also highlighted other reasons for the explosion in the number of people who fall for ridiculous conspiracy theories.

One of the most evident motivations or likely causes of the willingness to accept a conspiracy theory is cognitive biases, which I have written about in the past. Humans are subject to various cognitive biases, such as confirmation bias (seeking out information that confirms pre-existing beliefs) and pattern recognition (seeing meaningful patterns even where none exist). These biases can lead individuals to interpret information in a way that supports their conspiracy beliefs, a dangerous loop, and one that often locks in those who have fallen for a less ridiculous premise.

Some people want to simplify the world around them out of apathy or a breakdown in basic epistemology in our education system. They want the complex world of finance, trade, and geopolitics to be more accessible and something they can comprehend. Experts refer to this as “epistemic motivation.” Anyone who has spent any time watching interviews conducted by The Good Liars and other media outlets with herds of Q-anon believers or the anti-vaxx, space-laser, great reset folks has seen that. In most cases, conspiracy theories often offer easy and exhilarating explanations for complicated events, providing a sense of understanding and control.

As someone who has spent many years tracking local, Niagara-based conspiracy believers and grifters, one of the more depressing reasons I have seen why some seem so eager to believe or promote such nonsense is Social Identity—in other words, a sense of neediness or a wanting for community. Believing in specific conspiracy theories can help individuals identify with a particular social group or ideological community. With the breakdown of the neighbourhood or geographical community, what used to be found in churches, synagogues, or other places of religious or social gatherings is now just wireless connections, ones and zeros across time and space – but has left many without a meaningful sense of belonging. Building a community around some wild works of fiction can provide a sense of belonging and solidarity with others who share similar beliefs. Even when anonymity is available or encouraged, there can be a sense of togetherness in the deception and shared madness.

Somewhat related to our last point is the ‘connectedness’ some struggle with in this wild, somewhat ruthless world. In simpler terms, these works of fiction can satiate the emotional needs of the lost, lonely, scared, and angry. Conspiracy theories can sometimes fulfil emotional needs, such as providing a sense of empowerment (believing they possess special knowledge that others do not) or offering comfort in the face of uncertainty or fear.

It’s important to note that belief in conspiracy theories is complex and multifaceted, and these factors can interact differently for different individuals. While not all individuals exposed to conspiracy theories will necessarily believe in them, it’s my belief that we are amid a much more considerable and expanding reckoning because of the aforementioned reasons. As we lack robust and credible leadership and organizations to counter this anti-intellectual movement, we will see countless neighbours and family members turn their back on an uncomfortable reality and fall for the false promises and emptiness of easy pledges from grifters and madmen, many of whom are based here in the Niagara region and comfortably fleecing the gullible and ill-equipped.

What are some of the more ludicrous conspiracy theories you’ve read of? I would love to hear from you.

I am trying to write more substantive learning modules here and on my website, and I am always interested in your feedback. Check out my website to read more about the growth of conspiracy theories in the modern era, what motivates them, and what can be done to deprogram these lost souls.

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