Why are conspiracy theories appealing to some people?
Many political and social psychologists agree that people may be drawn to conspiracy theories in an attempt to satisfy important and seemingly unmet psychological needs.
We all have the need to feel secure and in control of our lives, and belief in conspiracy theories appear to be born out of a frustration of this need. For example, threatening events, economic vulnerability, feelings of powerlessness, anxiety, and stress have all been demonstrated to be catalysts for conspiracy beliefs. Conspiracy theories are said to offer a means to alleviate negative feelings, by providing an explanation for people’s disadvantaged positions.
Everyone can feel anxious and powerless at times, and the current pandemic is a threat to everyone in some way or another, but not everyone is drawn to conspiracy theories. Why?
We also have a need to understand our environment. However, we do not all perceive the environment we share in the same way to one another. There are many biases in our thinking styles that can make us perceive our environment in a skewed fashion, which can make conspiracy theories seem appealing.
