How Many People Are True Believers In Conspiracies?

Conspiracy theories are explanations for certain events or situations based on data not officially recognized and generally induced by influential groups. They have been a constant hum in the background for at least the past 100 years, with psychological research offering insight into why people put faith in conspiracy theories. Recent events, such as the election of Donald Trump, the U.S. Capitol riot, and several conspiracy theory-inspired mass shootings, have prompted more people to believe in grand conspiracies.

Psychologists’ research offers insight into why people put faith in conspiracy theories, according to science. Misinformation spurred the mob that stormed the Capitol, highlighting the disastrous effects such theories can produce. Most Americans (54%) believe that Lee Harvey Oswald definitely or probably did not act alone in assassinating John F. Kennedy in 1963.

Despite contemporary concerns about a “pandemic of misinformation”, researchers found no evidence that beliefs in conspiracy theories increase on average over time. Only 7 of US Americans believe conspiracy theories that blame Bill Gates for the coronavirus pandemic. People can be prone to believe in conspiracy theories due to a combination of personality traits and motivations, including relying strongly on their intuition.

Despite the negative rap in popular culture, research has shown that most Americans believe conspiracy theories of some sort.