Which Fields Are The Majority Of Conspiracy Theorists In?

A meta-analysis of 170 studies reveals three factors strongly associated with believing conspiracy theories: perceiving threat and danger, relying on intuition, and being antagonistic. These traits shape and are shaped by various factors, including high levels of distrust, especially towards the government, and the belief in false narratives during times of crisis.

A study by Union College found that people who are suspicious, untrusting, eccentric, and prone to detect patterns are more likely to believe in conspiracy theories. The prevalence of conspiracy mongering may not be new, but today the theories are becoming more visible. A new study delves into the intricate psyche of conspiracy theorists, attributing their beliefs to a mixture of personality traits and motivations.

Conspiration theories have been a constant hum in the background for at least the past 100 years, with people continuing to ask questions about what really happened that day, spawning conspiracy theories that the US government was involved in or knew of the attacks before they happened. The American Psychological Association published a review of 170 studies on what drives people to believe in conspiracy theories, finding that personality traits, such as paranoia and antagonism, and a mix of personality traits and motivations contribute to conspiracy beliefs.

Conspiration theories have legitimized violence, impaired public health, and undermined democratic governance. Containing their harms begins with understanding the origins of conspiracy theories and how they can be influenced by a combination of personality traits and motivations, including reliance on intuition.