Conspiracy theories, or conspiranoias, are alternative explanations to the official ones, they share the basic belief that certain important events in history have been maliciously manipulated by hidden and mysterious forces.
“The coronavirus pandemic is a secret plan, devised by Bill Gates to implant traceable microchips in people.” “The COVID vaccine can alter DNA.” “The vaccines contain the lung tissue of an aborted fetus.” “The recovery rate from the disease is 99.97%.” etc I don’t know how many of these theories we have heard lately.
Conspiracy theories are not something new, at all times in history there have been conspiracy theories. But it seems like lately, they are growing at an exponential rate. Why do more and more people believe in conspiracy theories? In this article we will try to answer this question by presenting the characteristics of conspiracy theories and the (relative) psychological benefits obtained by people who share them
There have been conspiracy theories at all times in history, but they have increased exponentially in recent years, with the Internet and recently with the pandemic. To address this trend, the European Commission and UNESCO have even published a series of educational infographics to help citizens identify, deny and counteract them.
Conspiracy theories present six points in common in their narrative : the existence of an alleged secret plot, the presentation of a group of conspirators, the irrefutable proof of the theory, the basic idea that nothing happens by chance and that coincidences do not exist, the division of the world between good and evil, and a specific group of evil people with dark interests.
These theories appear as a logical explanation for events that are difficult to understand, providing a false sense of control. This need for clarity is even stronger in uncertain times like the ones we have experienced with the pandemic.
Conspiracy theories They usually start with suspicions about who benefits from the event or situation, and thus a group of conspirators are identified. Then you look for any “evidence” that makes the theory fit. Although in some theories, such as in the case of flat earthers, we can seriously doubt the benefit that NASA obtains by hiding the fact that the earth is actually flat.
Once it has been planted, conspiracy theory is growing rapidly, especially thanks to the Internet and social networks They are difficult to refute because anyone who tries can be seen as part of the conspiracy: for example, the mainstream media and television news outlets lie because they are also bought by the same hidden powers that use them as organs of dissemination of their lies.
Theories can come from anyone, and everyone thanks to the Internet, not just the president of the United States, can spread a conspiracy theory globally.
Main characteristics of conspiracy theories
Currently, conspiracy theories are an emerging field of research within social psychology, which gives them a series of principles:
1. They are consistent
Conspiracy beliefs are consistent. Even if the conspiracy theories are highly unlikely to be true, It is undeniable that these have an impact on important aspects of life , such as people’s health, relationships and safety. We have a lot of evidence that what we believe affects our behavior, even though what we believe may be false or completely crazy produces behavior that has real consequences. Being a climate change denier will make you not worry about recycling.
2. They are universal
Conspiracy beliefs are one of the most universal things that exist. They are not limited to a particular era or culture, they spread throughout the world and no matter the social class, everyone is susceptible to conspiracy theories, from the neighbor down the street to Donald Trump. In fact, the tendency to suspect the possibility that others are plotting against you and your team could be part of human nature.
The adaptive conspiracy hypothesis proposes that, although conspiracy theories are of no use to us right now, they are were important among ancient hunter-gatherers who faced frequent conflicts between groups.
Real conspiracies were common among our ancestors. Because of this and according to this model, humans developed a conspiracy detection system, a system that is activated by specific signals associated with a higher probability of hostile alliances to protect us from dangerous conspiracies.
3. Conspiracy beliefs are emotional
It would be tempting to assume that belief in conspiracy theories is closely related to a high degree of critical thinking, since Even the most irrational conspiracy theories are often backed by a series of elaborate arguments which could indicate that belief in conspiracy theories is based on rational thought processes.
For example, conspiracy theories about man landing on the moon, which claim that it was filmed in a television studio, are often justified by a careful analysis, with elaborate physical arguments, of the lack of wind on the moon. moon and the apparent movement of the flag in the recordings. If you share this theory, you should know that after Neil Armstrong, 12 astronauts have walked on the moon.
However, The data emerging from the research suggest that a high cultural level is not behind these theories For example, people with higher education are less likely to believe in conspiracy theories. Conspiracy beliefs are related to intuition rather than analytical thinking. It has been shown that unpleasant emotional experiences increase people’s need to believe in something and thus find meaning in the events they have experienced.
4. Conspiracy beliefs are social
Conspiracy theories are a social phenomenon because they reflect the basic structure of conflict between groups. A good conspiracy theory implies the existence of hostile and evil alliances or external groups, Illuminati, pharmaceutical companies, reptilians, etc. Besides, These conspiracies often plan not only to harm or deceive individuals, but also larger groups In fact, they almost always say that they want to deceive the world’s population.
After knowing its characteristics, let’s see what psychological benefits believing in conspiracy theories can bring.
Are there advantages to believing in conspiracy theories?
Conspiracy theories are paradoxical. On the one hand, they can give a feeling of security, like the “denier” theories of reality (COVID, climate change) I am calm because this does not affect me. But on the other hand, they generate the threat of a perverse power that wants to manipulate me. That is why you have to ask yourself: What really are the advantages of believing in conspiracy theories?
Research shows that conspiracy theories have real effects on people’s health, relationships, and safety. Research based on experience has mainly highlighted its negative effects. Belief in conspiracy theories is associated with poorer health, lower happiness, and deteriorated social relationships. Also harm society by reducing public support for social policies to address real problems such as climate change and the coronavirus pandemic. They are also associated with populist movements, extremist politics and violent activism.
But on the other hand, conspiracy theories contribute to meaning and purpose.
Conspiracy theories as an ego defense mechanism
It is known that people are more likely to become radicalized after experiencing experiences of loss of meaning Believing in something bigger than themselves makes people feel important and special, giving them a new purpose and sense of belonging.
In this sense, conspiracy theories can also create a sense of purpose by giving the impression that something truly important is being discovered about the hidden workings of the world. Conspiracy beliefs also allow you to feel unique and special, so they can positively reflect on people’s positive self-perception, how they see themselves. Through conspiracy theories, people can establish their superiority to others and also that of their group, which is known as collective narcissism.
In conclusion, conspiracy theories help people defend a fragile ego by exaggerating the importance of themselves and their groups.
Conspiracy theory as a rationalization tool
conspiratorial beliefs are associated with antisocial behavior and those who refuse to follow the rules , for example rejecting vaccines and confinement. Conspiracy theories legitimize this behavior on the one hand and encourage it on the other.
Thanks to conspiracy theories, behaviors can be justified that, with or without evidence, would not be socially acceptable. Therefore, conspiracy theories facilitate the rationalization process, through which people try to justify our behaviors to ourselves and others.
This idea is consistent with the classic theory of cognitive dissonance, the psychological discomfort we feel when our minds hold two contradictory concepts at the same time: I should quit smoking for my health, but I shouldn’t because I really like and enjoy smoking.
The flexibility of conspiracy theories helps those who share them redefine these unhealthy behaviors into healthy behaviors, for example skipping confinement, considering that pharmaceutical companies are the devil or Bill Gates is deceiving us and the Coronavirus does not exist. Although these actions are not good for themselves or for society, conspiratorial beliefs can cause them to be considered reasonable and acceptable to others.
You may be interested: “Rationalization: what it is and how it influences our thinking”
Conspiracy theory as entertainment
The third way conspiracy theories contribute to meaning and purpose is to create an alternate reality that is exciting, spectacular, and compelling. According to “ufologists”, reptilians are powerful warriors whose mission is to dominate and enslave the human species.
Conspiracy theories They often describe the typical struggle between good and evil , presenting a mysterious world, and questioning the roles of the powerful such as politicians or celebrities (who we usually dislike or are somewhat envious of). It is common for many works of fiction, including novels, plays, and films, to focus on conspiracy.
On conspiracy theories They turn those who believe into actors in those spectacular narratives and gives them the opportunity to face mysteries. Above all, believing in conspiracy theories provides great entertainment.
However, the processes and benefits described as beneficial are only so in the short term. While constructing an alternative reality can be attractive, there is a risk of believing it too much. Many of the harmful effects of conspiracy theories arise from promoting choices based on these beliefs that can have negative real-life consequences (such as denying climate change) for people and also the environment.
