Why Conspiracy Theories Matter?

Conspiracy theories are popular due to three key driving factors: understanding an event, feeling in control, and maintaining a sense of control. These theories can be based on political upheavals, anxieties about sex, technology, and women, and can provide valuable insights into our society’s current state. However, it is crucial to understand the psychology behind conspiracy theories before confronting a believer with facts.

Karen Douglas, PhD, a professor of social psychology at the University of Kent, discusses psychological research on how conspiracy theories start, why they persist, who is most likely to believe them, and whether there is any way to counter these beliefs. A conspiracy theory is defined as a theory that rejects the standard explanation for an event and credits a covert group or organization with carrying out a secret plot. While some conspiracy theories are relatively harmless, such as the argument that Nasa faked the Moon landing or that Beatle Sir Paul McCartney died long ago with a heart attack, others are more harmful to individuals and their social environment.

People may be prone to believing in conspiracy theories due to a combination of personality traits and motivations, including relying heavily on their intuition. Further research is needed to determine for whom and under what conditions conspiracy theories may satisfy key psychological motives. Conspiracy theories are part of mainstream public life, with the potential to undermine governments, promote racism, ignite extremism, and even undermine democracy.