The Reasons Behind Our Fascination With Conspiracy Theory On Television?

Reality shows, including reality shows on TV, Facebook, and grocery stores, have become a popular source of paranoia in American culture. Professor Marc Wilson from Te Kura Mātai Hinengaro—School of Psychology explains why some people are more likely to believe in conspiracy theories. The menagerie of conspiracy theories in existence is so bizarre that some reasons for believing in them are emotional, cognitive, and social. Conspiracy theories have been a constant hum in the background for at least the past 100 years, and psychological research on how conspiracy theories start, persist, who is most likely to believe them, and whether they are true are discussed.

The list of conspiracy theories is endless, but three key ingredients to look out for are how misinformation finds a home and spreads on digital and social media platforms. Conspiracy theories include the dead internet conspiracy theory, 9/11 Conspiracies, Princess Diana’s murder, subliminal advertising, moon landing hoax, and Paul McCartney’s death.

However, it is important to note that many conspiracy theories do not believe the theories they endorse, and the most common theory is that it is psychologically uncomfortable to live in a world where bad things just happen. To avoid rows this festive season, experts and those who used to believe conspiracy theories should consider the factors that lead rational people to believe in them.