Psychology of Conspiracy Theories
I recently wrote an article discussing the psychological appeal of conspiracy theories:
Excerpt:
"In a crisis situation, people's primitive emotional reactions are entirely predictable. We follow the stages of grief which are outlined by the Kugler-Ross model.
As grief expert David Kessler explained it in a Podcast interview, 'We are all dealing with the collective loss of the world we knew.' (...)
It's easy to dismiss anyone protesting the government as a kook, or to see these people as stupid. However, as we have seen, people who are grieving loss are at the mercy of powerful, primal emotions, and conspiracy theories which tap into these emotions are more about feelings than facts.
These theories follow familiar patterns, and like a fairy tale or comic book, they simplify life's ambiguities into tales of absolute good and absolute evil. Half-truths are mixed with fancifully spun narratives, in which all of humanity are divided into passive sheep and enlightened heroes. They follow a dystopian, pessimistic and often fatalistic view of life. Instead of complex solutions, they present simplistic solutions such as a "magic remedy". They are truly the modern form of post-religious secular theology, in which vast, superior elites control all of the world, much like the myths of ancient Greece and Rome explained all tragedies and displeasure of the gods and goddesses.
The appeal, however, is paradoxical: we are offered affirmation that the world is not out of control, and that powerful forces are at work. However, the dystopian, sinister aspect means that those in power are evil, not good. Ironically, believers of conspiracy theories believe that they are "free thinkers", but they also tend to find great relief in being told exactly what they want to believe, and are thus relieved of the burden of having to figure out complex problems on their own.
Some believers in conspiracy theories are content with the affirmation that they are "in the know" and better than the authorities and experts. The narrative allows them to be the heroes of their own lives, and spread the message to others. For the truly dedicated believer, however, there are only two choices: fatalism or rebellion. And since rebellion against a shadowy elite is futile, the narrative of doom demands a fiery martyrdom. This is the political and social danger of conspiracy theories- that they, in the end, almost demand a violent response.
Like the child crying over the monster under his bed, these people are not seeking facts, but comfort and order in a cold, chaotic world. These narratives are factually incorrect, but they are emotionally real, and they show us the fears that we have been avoiding: fear of death, fear of illness, fear of government control, and fear of the rich and powerful who control so much of our lives.
People who fall for these ideas are vulnerable because they feel powerless and vulnerable. Bereft of the mature coping skills that resilient adults have, they often remain stuck in a stage of grieving, making them easy prey to those who misuse conspiracy theories for political or social gain. It is easier than ever for foreign governments, propaganda networks, hustlers of fake medicine or fake alternative gurus to mislead the gullible.
So how do we counteract conspiracy theories and fake news? The well-known tactic of using facts to dispel conspiracy theories makes as much sense as trying to convince a four-year-old that monsters don't exist. Instead, politicians and the media need to acknowledge people's fears and concerns, rational or not, and help vulnerable people get through their grieving process through dialogue. We also need better mental health resources, so people suffering from anxiety or depression can get the help they need."
For the full article, go to: https://www.opednews.com/articles/The-Hidden-Psychology-of-P-by-T-M-Elkins-Anger_Conspiracy_Conspiracy-Theories_Conspiracy-Theory-200521-497.html
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source https://www.reddit.com/r/conspiracytheories/comments/go2dr0/psychology_of_conspiracy_theories/
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