Why Are There So Many Conspiracy Ideas Among Conservatives?

The psychology behind conspiracy theories is crucial in understanding why people are drawn to the idea of shadowy forces controlling political events. Public opinion polls suggest that American conservatives are prone to political misperceptions, often believing in more falsehoods than liberals. Some scholars argue that this is due to their higher scores on measures of paranoia and generalized paranoia.

New research in political science helps explain the circumstances and character traits that allow conspiracy theories to flourish, casting a grim light on the direction of conspiracy theories. In May 2021, a poll by the Public Religion Research Institute found that 23 of Republicans agree that the government, media, and financial worlds in the US are in danger. Structural shifts may explain why conservative voters seem to be more prone to the infodemic and why conservative leaders have more reason to undermine reliable sources.

The conspiracy mindset is closely associated with belief in a wide range of existing specific conspiracy theories and endorsement of conspiracy theories. Conspiracy theories in United States politics are beliefs that a major political situation is the result of secretive collusion by powerful people striving for power.

Belief in conspiracy theories is about equally common on different sides of the political spectrum. A recent study found that conspiracy mentality, subclinical paranoia, conservatism, and age were each positively (and uniquely) associated with status threat. This discussion between a social psychologist and a political theorist highlights the psychological underpinnings and political consequences of conspiracy theories.