When people act together to achieve a goal, their effort may be considered a conspiracy. However, the term “conspiracy theory” takes the notion of conspiracy to a different level. With a nefarious twist. Conspiracy theories involve the belief that individuals are working together in secret. There’s a sinister aspect to most, and a sense that there’s more happening “behind the curtain” than most people know.
Conspiracy theories may seem harmless on the surface, but they are not.
In fact, embracing conspiracy theories can be harmful to our mental health. And can even have deadly consequences to society.
Why Do We Embrace Conspiracy Theories?
Why do we find it hard to resist a good conspiracy theory? There are a few explanations in the research.
As humans, we like there to be a reason why things happen. So, when something happens that we can’t rationalize, we try to identify a pattern or explanation. This helps our brains accept that what is occurring is reasonable. Finding that answer or reading about someone else who has found that answer, is comforting to us. It helps reduce our uncertainty and stress.
How Do Conspiracy Theories Take Root?
As we begin to embrace a theory (rooted in fact, or not) we tend to seek out others who agree with our belief.
We also begin to tune into messaging from those who echo these potentially unfounded notions.
These interactions reinforce our faulty logic. Unfortunately, we may also begin to avoid individuals, books, or newspapers that contradict what we believe. So, we begin to lose touch with, and respect for, alternative perspectives.
This instinctual human behavior is largely rooted in defense mechanisms.
These tendencies enable conspiracy theories to thrive within our minds and across our society. Before too long, a popular theory may begin to be accepted as fact.
And the more wedded we become to the idea, the more disconcerting it is for us to encounter facts or opinions of others that contradict our own.
So we avoid those who contradict our point of view. And the conspiracy theory gains strength. And The pattern continues and begins to reinforce itself.
Popular Conspiracy Theories
Theories related to COVID-19 were rampant over the last four years.
There are also theories out there about the Internet, 5G, and even climate change.
But conspiracy theories are not new.
Some examples from the last 50 years or so include theories regarding “fake” moon landings, Area 51, the plot to assassinate John F. Kennedy, as well as many others related to international politics.
The Psychology
So why do we all tend to lean towards embracing these theories, even when there are no clear facts to support the myth that is being perpetuated?
The nature of a conspiracy theory is that activity is occurring in secret, that only a small part of the population is privy to.
As humans, we like to feel powerful and knowledgeable.
We like to believe that we are within the inner circle of intelligent people who are “in the know”.
Our desire to feel belonging and acceptance within a cabal of believers can be quite powerful.
And once we begin to assert ourselves and see ourselves as experts in an area, it can help us to feel more worthy and less vulnerable, too.
Who Is Most Prone to Believe These Theories?
People who promote conspiracy theories most aggressively are often socially awkward and can be slow to trust others.
They are also people who have an intense need for closure.
Conspiracy theorists tend to develop disdain for true experts. Theorists in powerful positions who express these opinions further erode the confidence of the general public in the academics and researchers who attempt to counter conspiracy theories with facts and figures. This behavior drives more polarization across populations – dividing the believers from the non-believers and setting the stage for conflict to erupt.
To make matters worse, those who embrace conspiracy theories are often more likely to be prone to violence, and to believe violent “solutions” are more acceptable.
Why Conspiracy Theories Are Dangerous
All people are susceptible to the draw of a welcoming group, but those who have been excluded in society are especially vulnerable to the allure. The patterns we see in people who embrace conspiracy theories are similar to those we see in individuals who seek out and assimilate within a cult.
One of the major reasons why conspiracy theories are dangerous is because those who understand the power of these theories may decide to use them to influence large groups of people.
When tactics are deployed especially strategically, intelligent people can be led to believe outright falsehoods, in the absence of real information or proof.
We humans are hard wired to grow loyal to a group of like believers. And the potential impact of large groups of people, unwilling to even consider alternative opinions, influenced by a manipulative leader can be devastating. In fact, it can change the world.
Need proof? Think about the rise of Adolf Hitler.
What To Do About Conspiracy Theories
Conspiracy theories are quite rampant in our society. It’s easy to find accusations and sinister allegations about people and groups of widely varied backgrounds.
As a conspiracy theory gains steam, it becomes more difficult not to embrace.
In recent years, as we struggled with the unknowns COVID presented, we craved answers and certainty. We wanted closure, and acceptance and to feel better about how much we knew. Instead of feeling unknowledgeable, powerless and alone.
We must always resist the urge to settle for information that is unvetted and unproven.
Especially if hearing it makes us feel comfortable.
How To Neutralize Conspiracy Theories
It’s against human nature. Nevertheless, we must guard against that tendency.
We must not fall victim to soothing ideas that put us squarely back in our one-dimensional comfort zones.
Sounds unpleasant, and it is.
To have to be on our guard; to not do what comes naturally. But if those around us post pat explanations for complex challenges, we must ask hard questions.
We can’t settle until we have the answers we require. Nor can we recite what is preached at us from one corner without giving equal time to alternative points of view.
We have to be strong, and rational, and yes, uncomfortable, for as long as it takes.
Here’s to understanding what we think and why we think it! And to continuing to challenge ourselves and each other.
If you found this post interesting, you may also enjoy and The Bystander Effect.
Thank you as always for reading.
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Joan Senio is the founder of KindCompassCoach. Her career includes 20+ years as a health care executive and 15 years (and counting) as a consultant. The common thread through Joan’s professional life has been a commitment to lead, mentor and coach current and future leaders, and women from all walks of life. KindCompassCoach provides information and advice grounded in Joan’s personal experience; however, all articles are backed by research and provide facts and advice from a wide variety of experts. Joan also serves as a thought-leader for KuelLife.com and is a regular contributor to PsychReg and Sixty and Me.
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