How Come You Don’T Think Any Conspiracies Exist?

A new review reveals that only certain methods to counteract conspiracy beliefs are effective. Intellectual humility is crucial for avoiding irrational belief in conspiracy theories, and there is a negative correlation between conspiracy belief and age. Engaging with conspiracy believers using empathy, critical thinking, and social norms can help reduce their beliefs. Scientific literacy could protect against conspiracy beliefs, but better education generally does not necessarily reduce them.

The research upended the authors’ preconceived notions about how receptive people are to solid evidence debunking conspiracy theories. People can be prone to believing in conspiracy theories due to a combination of personality traits and motivations, including relying strongly on intuition. Authorities can reduce conspiracy beliefs among the public by installing procedural justice principles in decision-making processes.

Many people believe conspiracy theories, even though such beliefs are harmful to themselves and their social environment. Research is beginning to show that how people think could be more influential than intelligence. Worrying about how many people believe false ideas misses the real danger – that people are influenced by them whether they believe them or not. Beliefs in conspiracy theories can damage societies and individuals, but the only effective ways to counter them are impractical.