Forum Topic

The Psychology of the Conspiracy Theorist

"Save your breath arguing with people who believe in [conspiracy theories], as no amount of facts will dissuade them from their false belief."Wiser people on this forum than me have previously advised me as above, and (embarrassingly) I failed to heed them, but no longer.Meanwhile, the above quotation comes from the following Blog which deals with the topic in a simple, easy-to-read manner:https://psychcentral.com/blog/the-psychology-of-conspiracy-theories-why-do-people-believe-them/At this particular time we should all have five minutes to read it, it's very informative.

Richard Cathcart ● 2401d6 Comments

Much as I try to have an open mind about conspiracy theories think they can at times be harmful if we don't keep them in perspective.

Janice Evans ● 2401d

Sounds about right:"People who feel powerless may also endorse conspiracy theories as they also help the individual avoid blame for their predicament. In this sense, conspiracy theories give a sense of meaning, security and control over an unpredictable and dangerous world. Finally, and most simply, conspiracy beliefs — which imply a level of Machiavellianism and power enacted by those without fixed morality — are most likely to resonate with people who feel powerless and believe that society lacks norms."

Chris Blackwell ● 2401d

And this:"Conspiracy Theories Are Driven by People, Not FactsYou can’t really argue with people who believe in conspiracy theories, because their beliefs aren’t rational. Instead, they are often fear- or paranoia-based beliefs that, when confronted with contrarian factual evidence, will dismiss both the evidence and the messenger who brings it.2 That’s because conspiracy theories are driven by the people who believe and spread them and their own psychological makeup — not on the factual support or logical reasoning of the theory itself.Conspiracy theories aren’t going away, for as long as there are people who have a need to believe in them, they will continue to expand and thrive. The Internet and social media sites such as Facebook have only made such theories even easier to spread. Save your breath arguing with people who believe in them, as no amount of facts will dissuade them from their false belief."

Chris Blackwell ● 2401d

Several years ago I read a study of the topic called ‘Suspicious Minds’ by Rob Brotherton.  Iirr he makes the point that in a way we are all conspiracy theorists.  It’s a matter of degree.  He also points out that more extreme CTs get a bit ‘addicted’.  I can remember that in the early days Michael was just raising doubts about 9/11 but since then he has accumulated more and more increasingly bizarre and improbable claims like that the Williams sisters and Michelle Obama are actually men.

Alastair Banton ● 2401d

That's interesting.  At the start of the covid 19 outbreak Michael seemed tentative and open minded but as time has gone on, and presumably lots of conspiracy theorists have pitched, in he's become increasingly adamant about it all.  Now he's flying high.I suggested he google 'conspiracy theorists' and read up about himself but I doubt if he did.

Viv Griffiths ● 2401d

I do feel a little sorry for Michael and his vulnerability.Perhaps we should all just agree with everything he says?

Felicity Goodall ● 2401d