What Makes Conspiracies Concerning?

Conspiracy theories, which have been around for at least the past 100 years, can have harmful real-world consequences such as spreading lies, undermining trust in media and government institutions, and inciting violent or extremist behaviors. They are categorized into three main reasons: the desire for understanding and certainty, the desire to feel in control, and the desire to maintain a sense of control.

People often believe conspiracy theories to relieve anxiety in the face of uncertainty, and this belief is cause for concern, according to Karen Douglas, PhD, a professor of social psychology at the University of Kent. For example, conspiracy theories alleging that the 2020 U.S. presidential election was rigged may be supported by some people, but even if they don’t buy the whole lie, they may still believe it.

People are attracted to conspiracy theories due to a combination of personality traits and motivations, including relying heavily on their intuition. The survivability of conspiracy theories may be aided by psychological biases and distrust of official sources. The COVID-19 pandemic has led to the growth of conspiracy theories, and understanding how to identify, debunk, and counter them is crucial.

It is easy to dismiss conspiracy theories as unhinged beliefs held by a small number of paranoid idiots, but this underestimates their potential dangers. The approach to patients with conspiracy beliefs should be similar to dealing with psychotic disorders, as they are everywhere. Understanding the appeal of conspiracy theories and their potential dangers is essential for addressing their harmful effects on individuals and their social environment.