Conspiracy Theory Articles: What Are They?

Conspiracy theories are attempts to explain harmful or tragic events as the result of the actions of a small powerful group. These explanations reject the accepted narrative surrounding those events and can have serious consequences for individuals, groups, and societies. Psychologists’ research offers insight into why people put faith in conspiracy theories such as QAnon. Conspiracy theories are abundant in social and political discourse, with serious consequences for individuals, groups, and societies.

Conspiration theories can reveal a lot about what is going on in our societies and how. They are defined as theories that reject the standard explanation for an event and instead credit a covert group or organization with carrying out a secret plot. The psychological (dark triad, propensity to share false information online) and non-partisan/ideological political (populism, Manicheanism, etc.) factors contribute to the survivability of conspiracy theories.

The idea that the election was rigged is by definition a conspiracy theory, an explanation for events that relies on the assertion that powerful people are dishonestly manipulating society. The survivability of conspiracy theories may be aided by psychological biases and distrust of official sources.

Conspiration theories have been portrayed as a negative phenomenon, linked to misinformation, mistrust in experts and institutions, and political propaganda. They have flourished during the COVID-19 pandemic, and understanding them is crucial for identifying, debunking, and countering them.

In conclusion, conspiracy theories are an essential part of social and political discourse, with serious consequences for individuals, groups, and societies. Understanding these theories is essential for preventing and addressing their spread.