The Psychology of Conspiracy Theories

​​Conspiracy theories have occurred in society for centuries, but they have gained increased prominence in our contemporary culture, fueled by the unease of an anxious world. In the high-speed information exchange and social media bubble, these theories find fertile ground to root and spread, often playing into the fears and uncertainties of individuals. The appeal of such theories can be multi-faceted; they offer simple explanations for complex problems, validate pre-existing beliefs or biases, and provide a sense of control in times of chaos or confusion. It is crucial to explore the psychological mechanisms that make these theories so enticing and how they gain traction in our society.

In social psychology, the fascination with conspiracy theories and why people believe them has increased interest. Often associated with secret plots and hidden agendas, these theories can have significant societal impacts, shaping political views and influencing public behavior. But what psychological factors lead people to subscribe to these often unfounded beliefs?

Cognitive Biases and Social Influences

Conspiracy theories thrive on cognitive biases — mental shortcuts that allow us to make sense of the world around us. One such bias is the "proportionality bias," which leads people to believe that significant events must have substantial causes. Hence, some individuals find it hard to accept that monumental occurrences could result from simple, mundane causes. This bias can fuel belief in conspiracy theories that propose grand, elaborate explanations for significant events.

A classic example of the proportionality bias in action is the assassination of President John F. Kennedy in 1963. Many find it difficult to accept that such a significant event could be the work of a lone gunman, Lee Harvey Oswald. Instead, they seek more substantial explanations, leading to numerous conspiracy theories, including the involvement of the CIA, the Mafia, or even Vice President Lyndon B. Johnson. These theories provide grand, intricate plots that fit the event's magnitude, satisfying the proportionality bias.

Another cognitive bias at play is "confirmation bias." People tend to seek out and focus on information that confirms their pre-existing beliefs, while ignoring or dismissing contradicting evidence. Hence, once someone starts believing in a conspiracy theory, they're likely to interpret new information in a way that reinforces this belief.

The "Moon landing hoax" theory exemplifies confirmation bias quite well. In 1969, when Neil Armstrong famously stepped onto the lunar surface, many believed it to be a staged act by the U.S. government to assert dominance in the Space Race against the Soviet Union. Supporters of this theory often ignore overwhelming evidence, such as moon rocks brought back to Earth, thousands of independent validations of the lunar landings, and testimonies from astronauts. Instead, they focus on anomalies they believe to see in lunar landing footage, like "fluttering" flags suggesting the presence of wind (which is impossible in the vacuum of space) or discrepancies in the light and shadow angles in the photographs, interpreting these as "proof" that the moon landing was staged. This is a classic case of confirmation bias — looking for evidence to confirm pre-existing beliefs while dismissing the overwhelming evidence that contradicts the conspiracy.

Social influences also play a critical role. In an environment with high mistrust in authorities, conspiracy theories can flourish. They often provide alternative explanations that align more with an individual's worldview, especially if they already feel marginalized or suspicious of mainstream narratives.

The COVID-19 pandemic has also given rise to numerous conspiracy theories fueled by the same cognitive biases and social factors. One such theory suggests that the virus was deliberately engineered and released as a bioweapon. Despite the overwhelming scientific consensus that the virus originated naturally from wildlife, some individuals, driven by mistrust and fear, choose to believe the conspiracy. They selectively choose the information that supports the bioweapon theory, such as the proximity of the Wuhan Institute of Virology to the market where the first cluster of cases appeared, while disregarding the extensive genomic research indicating the natural origins of the virus. This is a contemporary example of how confirmation bias can lead individuals to believe in conspiracy theories, even in the face of strong contradictory evidence.

Emotional Maturity and Conspiracy Theories

Research suggests that emotional maturity, or the lack thereof, could influence susceptibility to conspiracy theories. A study published in the European Journal of Social Psychology found a negative correlation between emotional intelligence and belief in conspiracy theories. Essentially, individuals with higher emotional intelligence, a key component of emotional maturity, were less likely to believe in such theories. This could be because emotionally mature individuals are better at handling ambiguity and uncertainty, reducing the appeal of conspiracy theories that offer simplistic explanations for complex issues.

Insights From Bowen Family Therapy

Bowen family therapy, a system-based approach to understanding human behavior, might suggest that individuals drawn to conspiracy theories may be dealing with an undifferentiated self. According to this theory, such individuals often struggle with emotional dependency, leading them to seek validation and a sense of belonging from groups that share their beliefs. In this context, conspiracy theories can offer a sense of community and identity, reinforcing the individual's belief system and providing emotional support.

A combination of cognitive biases, social influences, emotional maturity, and family dynamics can contribute to an individual's belief in conspiracy theories. Understanding these factors is crucial for psychologists and anyone seeking to navigate a world where such theories are increasingly prevalent.

If you or a loved one find yourselves drawn to conspiracy theories, there are several steps you can take. Firstly, develop critical thinking skills and strive to differentiate between reliable and unreliable sources of information. Secondly, engage in open and empathetic dialogue about the specific theory, which can often reveal why it seems appealing. Coming from a non-judgmental place is essential, reiterating the love and concern that underlie your worries. At times, professional help may be necessary. Psychological consultation can provide a safe space to explore these beliefs and their roots, possibly uncovering underlying concerns or fears driving the interest in conspiracy theories. Remember, it's okay and normal to seek help. The journey towards understanding is ongoing, and every step towards questioning and learning is a step in the right direction.

References

Douglas, K. M., Sutton, R. M., & Cichocka, A. (2017). The psychology of conspiracy theories. Current Directions in Psychological Science, 26(6), 538-542.

Van Prooijen, J. W., & Douglas, K. M. (2018). Belief in conspiracy theories: Basic principles of an emerging research domain. European Journal of Social Psychology, 48(7), 897-908.

Swami, V., Voracek, M., Stieger, S., Tran, U. S., & Furnham, A. (2014). Analytic thinking reduces belief in conspiracy theories. Cognition, 133(3), 572-585.