What Motivates Conspiracy Theorists?

A new study explores the complex psyche of conspiracy theorists, attributing their beliefs to a combination of personality traits and motivations. The researchers found that white evangelicals, the most religiously devout group among those surveyed by YouGov, are particularly susceptible to supporting QAnon and believing other conspiracy theories. They explored the relationship between trust and political ideology with conspiracy beliefs by analyzing two survey datasets.

Conspiration theories are the belief that a group of people, often powerful people, collude in secret to make plans that are widely seen as malevolent or evil. The era of Donald Trump’s presidency has seen numerous unfounded conspiracy theories enter the mainstream, from increasing numbers of anti-vaxxers fueling measles outbreaks to conspiracy theories about the coronavirus vaccine.

Conspiration theories attempt to explain events as the secretive plots of powerful people. While conspiracy theories are not typically supported by evidence, they can provide insight into the lives of individuals and their beliefs. Some conspiracy theories, such as the use of the coronavirus vaccine as a cover to microchip humans, have been criticized for being “swivel-eyed loons” with poor personal hygiene and halitosis.

In conclusion, conspiracy theories are a complex phenomenon that can be driven by various factors, including personality traits, motivations, and the belief that powerful groups conspire in secret to make harmful plans. Understanding the complexities of conspiracy theories and their potential impact on individuals is crucial for understanding the complex geopolitical landscape.