Why Do Conspiracy Theories Include Bees?

The American Psychological Association has published a review of 170 studies on the factors that drive people to believe in conspiracy theories. The study found that personality traits such as paranoia and antagonism, as well as the belief in a shadowy group called the Illuminati, are key motivators. The three psychological needs that motivate people to believe in conspiracy theories include understanding, control, and self-image.

Conspiration theories are part of mainstream public life, with the potential to undermine governments, promote racism, ignite extremism, and threaten public health efforts. They offer simple and satisfying explanations for complex events but can also be harmful and misleading. People who endorse conspiracy theories may be more likely to engage in conspiratorial behaviors themselves, such as spreading rumors or being suspicious of others’ motives.

Conspiration theories are often presupposed to be irrational and that powerful people or groups are secretly plotting to accomplish their goals. The unexplained suicide of Jeffrey Epstein has given rise to conspiracy theories. A great deal of conspiracy theory research presupposes a falsehood, and the web has increased the circulation and reach of conspiracy theories.

Treat anger has been found to correlate positively with conspiracy beliefs and perceiving conspirators to have more evil intentions. The COVID-19 pandemic has increased the occurrence of conspiracy theories, with some suggesting that a greater endorsement of these theories may be due to the pandemic.

In conclusion, conspiracy theories are a belief that some organization or group is responsible for a situation or event through secret planning. The rise of conspiracy theories, such as Pizzagate and QAnon, anti-vaccine claims, and disinformation around the coronavirus, has led to various challenges and misconceptions in our increasingly polarized society.