The Motivations Of Conspiracy Theorists?

Conspiracy theories are beliefs that reject the standard explanation for an event and blame a secret plot by a covert group or organization. People can be prone to believing in conspiracy theories due to a combination of personality traits and motivations, including relying strongly on intuition, feeling a sense of antagonism and superiority toward others, and perceiving threats in their environment. A meta-analytic review of 170 studies reveals that conspiracy theorists are driven by a need to understand and feel secure in their environment, a sense of superiority, and certain personality traits such as paranoia and antagonism.

Conspiration theories have risen to the forefront of consciousness in recent years, with controversial examples including the belief that terrorist attacks and QAnon, a movement that claims President Trump is fighting a secret war against a pedophilic deep state. Psychologists explain why people believe in conspiracy theories, attributing their beliefs to a mixture of personality traits and motivations.

Belief in conspiracy theories appears to be driven by motives that can be characterized as epistemic (understanding one’s environment) and existential (being safe). The most common theory is that it is psychologically uncomfortable to live in a world where bad things just happen. A new study delves into the intricate psyche of conspiracy theorists, attributing their beliefs to a mixture of personality traits and motivations.

In conclusion, conspiracy theories are a growing phenomenon that have gained prominence due to various factors, including personal traits, motivations, and the spread of conspiracy theories. Understanding the complex psyche of conspiracy theorists can help individuals navigate the challenges of understanding and dealing with these theories during times of crisis.