A 2019 study in the Journal of Personality found that belief in fake news is driven by the inability to reject weak claims. Contradictory beliefs, such as Plandemic and QAnon, have become popular on social media, making Twitter users feel as if they are part of a conspiracy. The popularity of these theories has implications for our response to the pandemic, as they can lead to a lack of confidence in steps aimed at addressing the pandemic and risky health behaviors.
Major social networks are rushing to take down a new coronavirus conspiracy theory video, which has rapidly spread across the internet. Survey data shows that belief in conspiracy theories is associated with a lack of confidence in steps aimed at addressing the pandemic and risky health behaviors. The film, which has since been widely discredited, appeared to at least have some reason people fall for conspiracy theories.
Suspicion of institutions harms social relationships and erodes the fabric of society. Many citizens distrust powerful societal institutions and hold beliefs in conspiracy theories. As the pandemic progressed, some believed that COVID-19 was a hoax or exaggerated by left-wingers as part of a plot to derail Donald Trump’s reelection.
Conspiration beliefs can impact public and personal health, democratic citizenship, and even political issues. Supporters of U.S. President Donald Trump fly a U.S. flag over a symbol representing the QAnon conspiracy theory, spreading hatred towards Jews and Muslims, as well as anti-elite, racist, and anti-racist sentiments.
📹 Why People Cling To Conspiracy Theories Like ‘Plandemic’ | The “Plandemic” Effect
Why People Cling To Conspiracy Theories Like ‘Plandemic’ A new video called ‘Plandemic’ is full of false claims about COVID-19 …
📹 Neuroscience of Conspiracy Theories | Why people believe Plandemic
Join us to learn about why conspiracies arise during times of crisis, and why we have a tendency to believe them.
Nice job for a 13 minute article. As a scientist with more than 40 years experience, I find the best laboratory data are the bizarre comments by many below. For many, it shows they were not paying attention to basic grammar in grade school since they can’t write a coherent sentence. One point I would add from my experience working with paranoid schizophrenics in the trenches is that I discovered paranoia is a cognitive method with neurosciences correlates, of organizing confusion. Most current researchers miss this although covered in pattern recognition theory. Keep up the great work. I copied all of the comments for study. OH NO! Commenters try not to get too paranoid.
Well, there is answer why. Governments actually can be rather sloppy in hiding things. For instance, in my country there is leaked document with part concerning “equalization of behavior of citizens and institutions”. Not coordination, not strictly structured and discipline behavior, but equalized. This is actually Huxley style and very worrying because of its subtleness. And same crisis headqurters makes unconstitutional
That was a very interesting article! The diverse range of studies and areas of study used to address this topic was very unique and refreshing. While there were a few problems scattered about, mostly due to the script reading/presentation, overall, the article was well-made, and those issues didn’t detract from the great information presented!
Really enjoyed the last few articles I’ve seen from you – thank you for remaining unbiased. I have a question – from your research, do the same neurological processes which influence one to accept a conspiracy theory more readily (e.g. higher dopamine levels) also influence someone toward accepting any standard explanation more readily? Historically speaking, of course, some conspiracies turned out to be true. I’m trying to understand why some people would have proclivities to accept mainstream explanations when that requires less analytical / critical thinking than the conspiracy theory. From a neurological point of view, information is information – so only social factors should differentiate one from another. Is there any research that differentiates how a brain readily accepts an idea that is perceives as mainstream vs. non-mainstream, neurologically?
“I cannot and will not accept the theory that long sequences of unrelated accidents determine world events. It is inconceivable that those with power and wealth would not band together with a common bond, a common interest, and a long-range plan to decide and direct the future of the world. For those with the resources, to do otherwise would be totally irresponsible. I know that I would be the first to organize a conspiracy to control the outcome of the future, if I were such a person and a conspiracy did not yet exist. I would do it in an attempt to ensure the survival of the principles in which I believe, the survival of my family, my survival, and the survival of the human race, if for no other reason. I believe, therefore, that a grand game of chess is being played on a level that we can barely imagine, and we are the pawns. Pawns are valuable only under certain circumstances and are frequently sacrificed to gain an advantage. Anyone who has studied military strategy is familiar with the concept of sacrifice. Those who have seriously studied history have probably discovered the real reason we go to war on a regularly scheduled basis. Before reading this book I advise you to play at least two complete games of chess. You must learn the rules THEY play by. You must realize objectively that some pieces are more valuable than others and that the king is the most valuable of all. You cannot learn reality if you get caught up in the fantasy that “if s not fair.” You must come to know that the ultimate outcome of the game is the only thing that counts.
Wow darling, you have said so many things that are true. Now, please tell me why you are so certain that a conspiracy could not truly exist. What has convinced you that every conspiracy must just simply be a theory? If you do not believe that every conspiracy is a theory, please give me an example of a conspiracy that you truly do believe is real. Because I believe that someone has used higher education to convince you that no group could possibly conspire against another. You make many valid points but for each one of them I could have placed them in a different context to show you the foolishness of your conclusions.
This just wasted 13:29 of my life. I guess there’s never been a conspiracy theory that was proven true? Here’s something that’s a fact and not a conspiracy…. If you washed your face more often there’s a high probability you wouldn’t have that pizza face acne. And that fact is backed by every dermatologist ever & you’re very welcome for that freely given info.