Why Some People Hold Conspiracy Theories To Be True?

The article discusses the psychological needs that motivate people to believe in conspiracy theories: understanding, control, and self-image. It also discusses the challenges of believing in conspiracy theories, which are widespread and cut across social and political divides. Conspiracy theories are driven by personality traits such as paranoia and antagonism, and they reflect our tendency to see patterns and assign meaning to events.

New research suggests that events happening worldwide are nurturing underlying emotions that make people more willing to believe in conspiracies. Karen Douglas, a social psychologist, explains how conspiracy theories start, why they persist, and who is most likely to believe them. Cognitive biases, mental shortcuts that allow us to make sense of the world, such as proportionality bias, drive widespread irrational beliefs.

Psychological research shows humans’ tendency to perceive patterns and embrace information that meets needs for security and belonging is a driving force behind widespread irrational beliefs. About half of people can be prone to believe in conspiracy theories due to a combination of personality traits and motivations, including relying strongly on their intuition.

Conspiration theories are everywhere, and baseless theories threaten our safety and democracy. A landmark study has mapped the psychological landscape that shapes our susceptibility to conspiracy theories. The article also discusses the conspiracy theories that flourished during the COVID-19 pandemic, their dangers, and how to identify, debunk, and counter them.