Why won't conspiracies go away?

  • Thread starter Ivan Seeking
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In summary, conspiracy theories have been around since the Age of Enlightenment and have only become more prevalent in the Age of the Internet. They are often fueled by ego and the desire to believe in something grander than a simple loss. While some conspiracies are outlandish and unfounded, there are also real conspiracies that occur in daily life and in politics. The prevalence of conspiracies suggests that there is a reason for people to believe in them.
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  • #2
Beliefs in non-existent conspiracies are as old as man --- losers in every sort of contest have always cried, "We was robbed! It's a conspiracy!" Why? Ego --- claims that the opposition had to resort to conspiracies reinforce self-image as a force to be reckoned with, as compared to accepting a loss at face value and reinforcing a self-image as an inconsequential loser.

People do NOT face realistic assessments of their own consequence, or the consequence of their heroes, to history gracefully. JFK? Whacked by a nut who got lucky rather than a giant conspiracy to rob the world of a great statesman? The nut got lucky, JFK was well on his way to being a "Who?" in the history books.
 
  • #3
Perhaps less numerous, but in addition to the wild eyed, weak minded, rumor ridden world of wacky conspiracy theories, we do find an entire world of real conspiracies...all the way down to one child blaming another for his or her own actions. Perhaps the ratio of whacky conspiracy theories to real ones is about the same as the ratio of whacky physics theories to real ones. Okay, I'm not really suggesting the math here, the point is that we find extreme interpretations and frauds on nearly any genuine theme; physics, religion, politics, economics, insurance...all can be associated with their own variety of nuts, wild interpretations, or other "unsanctioned" claims.

Conspiracy is a part of human nature. Consider “the inside track” in business. Many jobs are filled before they are ever advertised [as is often required by law]. The spirit of the law is lost in the personal relationships of coworkers. This is a conspiracy that happens daily.

Also, conspiracy is a bedfellow to politics: Watergate, Iran Contra, Gulf II[?], any coo you care to name such as the one that left Gorbachev and his wife hostage, or the assassination of presidents such as Lincoln, these are just a few examples in recent history. I am sure that you can name dozens of examples at will. So I guess my point is obvious: We can’t dismiss all conspiracies as being implicitly bogus. I suggest that one reason we expect conspiracies is that we have good reason to do so.
 
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1. Why do people believe in conspiracies?

There are several reasons why people may believe in conspiracies. Some individuals may have a natural tendency to be suspicious and mistrust authority, making them more likely to believe in conspiratorial explanations. Others may feel a lack of control in their lives and turn to conspiracies as a way to regain a sense of control. Additionally, people may be more likely to believe in conspiracies when they are faced with a lack of information or conflicting information, as it can be comforting to have a simple explanation for complex events.

2. Why do conspiracies persist even when they are debunked?

Conspiratorial beliefs can be deeply ingrained in individuals and can serve as a way for them to make sense of the world. Even when presented with evidence that disproves a conspiracy, individuals may still hold on to their beliefs in order to maintain a sense of consistency and avoid cognitive dissonance. Additionally, conspiratorial beliefs can be reinforced by social networks and online communities, making it difficult for individuals to let go of their beliefs.

3. Are there any psychological factors that contribute to belief in conspiracies?

There are several psychological factors that can contribute to belief in conspiracies. For example, individuals with a need for uniqueness may be more likely to believe in conspiracies as it sets them apart from mainstream beliefs. Additionally, individuals with a higher level of anxiety or a need for closure may be more likely to believe in conspiracies as it provides a sense of certainty and control.

4. Do conspiracies have any real-world impact?

Conspiracies can have real-world impact in a variety of ways. They can erode trust in institutions and government, leading to decreased civic engagement and participation. They can also perpetuate harmful stereotypes and discrimination, as some conspiracies are built on scapegoating certain groups of people. Additionally, belief in conspiracies can prevent individuals from seeking out evidence-based information and making informed decisions.

5. How can we combat the spread of conspiratorial beliefs?

Combatting the spread of conspiratorial beliefs requires a multi-faceted approach. It is important to address the underlying psychological factors that contribute to belief in conspiracies, such as a need for control or a need for uniqueness. Additionally, promoting critical thinking and media literacy skills can help individuals evaluate information and separate fact from fiction. It is also important for individuals and institutions to actively combat misinformation and promote evidence-based information. Finally, promoting open and respectful dialogue can help bridge the divide between those who believe in conspiracies and those who do not.

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