Why Conspiracy Theories Thrive and what we can learn from them.
Conspiracy theories have been a part of human culture for centuries, offering alternative explanations to complex events that mainstream narratives might not address. With the rise of the internet and social media platforms, these theories have found a broader audience, leading to both a sense of community for believers and a challenge for those trying to debunk them. A recent example: The COVID-19 pandemic.
Ever since the pandemic I’ve found myself curious as to why someone might hold such a strong belief into these wild theories. Interacting with these ‘Facebook warriors’, friends and even family, I asked myself how we can have conversations to address some objective truths that won’t lead into name calling and verbal abuse. In this article, I’m going to share some insights I picked up about the world of conspiracy theories, exploring their impact on our sense of belonging. What can we learn about the people behind the conspiracy?
Why Conspiracy Theories?
Conspiracy theories propose that a lot of events or situations in the world are the result of secret, often sinister, plots by groups or individuals. These theories can range from the amusing and harmless, like the belief in Bigfoot or Nessie –didn’t we all at one point?–, to the more dangerous and divisive, such as those surrounding vaccines or global events.
While some conspiracy theories arise from a grain of truth, genuine concerns or misunderstandings, many are based on misinformation or deliberate disinformation. The challenge, especially in today's digital age, is discerning fact from fiction. This is where the importance of science communication comes into play. Having more science communicators in the online community can help debunk these myths and present facts in an understandable and relatable way.
The next question becomes: why are there so many conspiracies and communities online?
Social Media vs. Belonging
It’s no surprise that conspiracy theories often provide believers with a sense of belonging. They offer an alternative community where the members feel understood, validated, and part of a group that shares a "hidden truth." This sense of community can be especially appealing in a world that often feels chaotic and unpredictable.
Normally I would cherish a person’s sense of belonging, however, there is a real flip side to this matter. Those who believe in conspiracy theories often feel more and more isolated from mainstream society, leading to a mistrust of official sources and even friends or family who don't share their beliefs. Couple that with the way conspiracy theories are spreading on social media platforms, and we get a substantial group of people starting to mistrust the scientific method and everything we as scientists stand for.
It’s in the algorithm
Algorithms have evolved to be user-centric and show content similar to what you have already engaged with. Think about how every platform seems to have a For You Page since the dawn of TikTok. This inadvertently creates echo chambers if conspiracy channels are your only source of news and media. This in turn reinforces existing beliefs and shield individuals from alternative viewpoints.
Memes, videos, and shareable content can make conspiracy theories go viral in a matter of hours. What’s interesting, even comical sometimes, is that a lot of these viral views come from people in mainstream society. The total disbelief and need to voice opinions on this, even debate it, gives these algorithms even more signals of viral content. This is one of the reasons these wide reaching posts can make the conspiracies seem more valid or widely accepted than they truly are.
Why some believe and others don’t
At the heart of every conspiracy theory lies a psychological need. Research into why individuals may be drawn to conspiracy theories has identified several key factors that correlate with their belief system.
The need for cognitive closure, which is the desire for a clear, unambiguous answer to an event or circumstance.
The need for control. When faced with situations that are beyond our control, like a global pandemic or economic downturn, conspiracy theories can offer a semblance of understanding and predictability. They present a world where events are not random but are instead orchestrated by identifiable actors.
The desire for uniqueness. Believing in a conspiracy theory can make you feel that you possess unique, insider knowledge that sets you apart from the masses. This feeling of being "in the know" can be intoxicating and can bolster one's self-esteem.
To obtain a sense of social belonging. The need to belong to a group of likeminded individuals is a very primal aspect of our humanity. It makes us feel less alone, which is important as a social species. Being part of a group that thinks in a similar fashion will make you feel included.
Moreover, personality traits and cognitive styles are also significant predictors of conspiracy beliefs. Low agreeableness, for instance, which is associated with suspicion and antagonism towards others, has been suggested as a personality factor that could predispose someone to adopt conspiratorial beliefs. Other research has started to explore worldviews, learned behaviour and upbringing of those who are inclined to believe in conspiracy theories. All links to research are available in the further reading section.
It’s no wonder this sense of belonging can be so strong that it becomes a part of one's identity. Challenging the conspiracy theory then becomes similar to challenging one's identity, leading to the defensive reactions we know and see online.
Debunking Conspiracy Theories
Debunking conspiracy theories is no easy task. Simply presenting facts or evidence that contradicts the theory often isn't enough. In fact, it can sometimes backfire. One of the primary challenges is the mistrust of official sources. For many conspiracy theorists, mainstream media, governments, and scientific institutions are part of the conspiracy, making any information from these sources suspect. Also, be aware of coordinated activities, like the use of bots or fake accounts, that aim to amplify a particular narrative.
A first approach is to analyse the language and patterns associated with such theories. When we understand the reasoning, we can start to come up with a conversation style that aides your science communication efforts. Yet, the most important tool in your belt when it comes to interacting with believers is approaching the topic with empathy and understanding.
However that will have to be for another blog post, where I will go more in depth with conversational strategies against conspiracy theories.
In the words of Carl Sagan, "We live in a society exquisitely dependent on science and technology, in which hardly anyone knows anything about science and technology." As we move forward, let's strive to bridge this gap, fostering a culture of curiosity, critical thinking, and open dialogue.
Join the Movement
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