What makes up a conspiracy

Star physicist Richard Feynman famously described an example of it that cropped up in one of the most rigorous areas of sciences, particle physics. You might be tempted to take a lead from popular media by tackling misconceptions and conspiracy theories via the myth-busting approach.

Naming the myth alongside the reality seems like a good way to compare the fact and falsehoods side by side so that the truth will emerge. But once again this turns out to be a bad approach, it appears to elicit something that has come to be known as the backfire effect , whereby the myth ends up becoming more memorable than the fact.

Immediately after reading the flyer, participants accurately remembered the facts as facts and the myths as myths. The thinking is that merely mentioning the myths actually helps to reinforce them. And then as time passes you forget the context in which you heard the myth — in this case during a debunking — and are left with just the memory of the myth itself. To make matters worse, presenting corrective information to a group with firmly held beliefs can actually strengthen their view , despite the new information undermining it.

New evidence creates inconsistencies in our beliefs and an associated emotional discomfort. But instead of modifying our belief we tend to invoke self-justification and even stronger dislike of opposing theories, which can make us more entrenched in our views.

For example, studies have shown that public information messages aimed at reducing smoking, alcohol and drug consumption all had the reverse effect.

Scientific literacy will probably help in the long run. Instead what is needed is literacy in the scientific method, such as analytical thinking. And indeed studies show that dismissing conspiracy theories is associated with more analytic thinking. Most people will never do science, but we do come across it and use it on a daily basis and so citizens need the skills to critically assess scientific claims. Before starting to preach the message, find some common ground.

Meanwhile, to avoid the backfire effect, ignore the myths. Instead offer explanations that chime with their preexisting beliefs. For example, conservative climate-change deniers are much more likely to shift their views if they are also presented with the pro-environment business opportunities.

One more suggestion. Use stories to make your point. People engage with narratives much more strongly than with argumentative or descriptive dialogues. Stories link cause and effect making the conclusions that you want to present seem almost inevitable. They are critically so. But an an awareness of the flaws in our thinking allows you to present your point in a far more convincing fashion.

People often think that these beliefs are rare or sometimes absurd, but research shows they may be more common than previously thought. Conspiracy theories come in all forms, but most theories involve political and social events.

Some examples include the belief that certain celebrities are immortal vampires and controversial topics such as the belief that a small group of people are planning to overthrow the government. Often, one theory will have accompanying and sometimes contradictory conspiracy theories which can be dangerous if not challenged. On the other hand, it can be noted that some conspiracy theories have been proven to be true.

Conspiracy theory addiction is a behavioral addiction that can have a hidden impact on the way one perceives events and has been linked to having more negative attitudes. Rather than helping one cope with their negative feelings, the belief in conspiracy theories can create a cycle of distrust and disempowerment.

As a person encounters different sources, it is important to be able to analyze the information and distinguish between false theories and real threats. People who strongly believe in conspiracy theories and become addicted may experience some of the following:. Conspiracy theories occur when people create links between one or more unrelated events, a process that emerges from the need for the human brain to find patterns.

New research also shows that people with certain personality traits, such as low self-esteem, are more likely to have a conspiracy theory addiction. Researchers have studied the different reasons why people believe in conspiracy theories, and many of the explanations include the following factors:.

When a person experiences distress over uncertainty or witnesses a large-scale event, the mind will start to look for explanations that connect the dots. Those with lower analytical abilities and less tolerance for uncertainty are more likely to believe a conspiracy theory. This is because conspiracy theories can often provide explanations for events that seem confusing or frightening, and believers can assume that they are being intentionally deceived.

People are also naturally inclined to search for information that confirms their existing beliefs; this is known as confirmation bias. The ability to easily share and spread information over the internet has increased belief in certain conspiracy theories. Someone with a conspiracy theory addiction may seek out information to support something they already think is true, rather than seek out new information or challenge their beliefs. A need for understanding and consistency can lead to addictive behaviors such as spending excessive time on the internet and ignoring relationships and responsibilities.

Conspiracy theory addiction can also be caused by the need to feel safe and in control. When the human mind feels threatened, identifying what is causing the danger can be a way to cope with anxiety. One study found that people are more likely to believe in conspiracies if they are feeling anxious.

People who have a conspiracy theory addiction may be drawn to the theories as a way of making sense of the world and feeling more in control.

Researchers who have studied why people believe in conspiracy theories have found little evidence that believing in these theories actually helps reduce anxiety or satisfy the need to feel in control. People who have a conspiracy theory addiction are less likely to engage in actions that could improve their autonomy and sense of control. The long-term effects of conspiracy theory addiction may leave people feeling more disempowered and anxious than before. Conspiracy theory addiction can also form as a defense mechanism, especially in those who feel alienation and disaffection from society.

When a person feels disadvantaged, they will often find ways to boost their own self-perceptions. Take the Flat Earth theory: adherents are still seeking evidence to prove they are right, but no amount of proof showing that we live on a globe can convince them that they are wrong. Conspiracy theories are often based not on hard evidence, but on picking holes in the mainstream narrative, pointing out what does not fit or does not seem to have an explanation, and using this as evidence that the conspiracy theory must be true.

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