What Actions Do Conspiracy Theorists Take?

Conspiracy theories are often based on dubious evidence and ignore established scientific knowledge. They often involve the idea that powerful individuals or groups are secretly plotting a scheme to manipulate the world. Psychologists’ research offers insight into why people believe in conspiracy theories, such as QAnon. These theories can range from alien rulers to shark attacks instigated by spies to elaborate multi-billion-dollar hoaxes.

There are various conspiracy theories, including the Judeo-Masonic conspiracy theory, the international Jewish conspiracy theory, and the war against Islam conspiracy theory. Research suggests that some people are drawn to conspiracy theories in a general fashion, where belief in one conspiracy predicts belief in another, even if the theories contradict each other.

Psychological research on conspiracy theories helps understand why people are drawn to the notion of shadowy forces controlling political events. Karen Douglas, PhD, of the University of Kent, discusses psychological research on how conspiracy theories start, persist, and who is most likely to be drawn to them. Conspiracy theories have been linked to legitimizing violence, impaired public health, and undermined democratic governance.

Many conspiracy theories relate to supposed clandestine government plans and elaborate murder plots. People can be prone to believing in conspiracy theories due to a combination of personality traits and motivations, including relying strongly on their intuition. Containing their harms begins with understanding the underlying conspiratorial predispositions and beliefs about who is conspiring.