It’s about community, not gullibility

Psychologists have long examined how a tendency to irrational thought or particular personality traits could predict people’s interest in plots. However, these individual factors do not explain the group processes by which conspiracy theorists extend their influence and impact.

More than five years, we have sought and met people at dawn to become conspiracy theorists. And the results of our new study show that a feeling of community activism attracts people to these ideas.

Indeed, unlike the stereotype of isolated keyboard warriors who have descended the rabbit burrow, conspiracy theorists become organized, recruit supporters, picking vaccination centers and the vandalization of telecommunications and traffic infrastructures.

Our research has examined the growing interest in conspiracy theories and how associated activism emerges. Immersive research with conspiracy theorists is rare. But revealing our status as researchers allowed us to establish relationships with people, who have shared information on what motivates their involvement.

In particular, we talked to people of conspiracy theories concerning 5G technology, COVVI-19 cities, 15 minutes and districts with low traffic. We also participated in online discussions and traveled the United Kingdom to sit on public meetings and conferences. In the end, our ideas revealed how people tend to follow a path of initial interest, community engagement and potentially activism.

Awakening

The belief in conspiracy theories is often initiated by traumatic life events. Job losses or the death of a loved one can trigger anger and suspicion towards public services, authority personalities and experts. This is particularly the case if people believe that the tragic or destructive events that affected them could have been avoided. And these emotions can motivate a search for answers.

When conspiracy theories claim to explain painful personal circumstances or broader fears about COVID-19, or climate change, people can feel “awakenings”. These are moments of insight in which people believe that the causes of their problems reside with secret groups that control society.

A person to whom we have spoken described the theories of conspiracy as allowing him to “access the way the world really works … as if a light was lit in my head and that I could clearly see things.”

People rarely experience their awakening in isolation. In online group cats, people discover others with similar problems. During public meetings, beliefs in various theories are stimulated by interactions where people discuss their suspicions about who is to blame for specific questions. In the process, these groups feed on their common emotions, creating an atmosphere of energy and excitation.

The loss of traditional meeting places such as pubs and high streets, as well as high levels of loneliness, can lead people to seek new forms of connection and meaning.

The people we have spoken of expressed their surprise in the face of the social ties they had found through these communities. As a participant said, “there is a lot of support for people who do their own research … There is always someone who wants to know more, based on the work of others, supports each other. There is a real buzz in this community.”

Do your own research

Plot theories do not only offer alternative explanations for events, these are resources for communities that provide identity, goal and belonging. These advantages can explain why it is so difficult to remove people from their beliefs in conspiracy theories.

Indeed, when conspiracy communities generate common interpretations and shared emotions, conspiracy theories can resonate powerfully, which makes them more real than they are.

This effect is aggravated by the way in which conspiracy theories invite believers to rely on ideas by “doing their own research”. Internet serves as a large database where conspiracy theorists can discover scientific articles, documents and reports to support their complaints.

And despite the dubious quality of many sources of this type, contributing to conspiracy theories can give a boost to the self -esteem of people, which makes them feel like heroic experts and detectives. A key aspect of these communities is the way they allow members to contribute.

However, beyond generating more theories, conspiracy communities become organized networks for protest and activism. Since conspiracy theories suspect suspicion and anger against people’s problems and underline the blame on specific targets, we have found that believers can feel obliged to participate in demonstrations.

For example, some say that the concept of urban planning in 15 -minute cities is part of a secret government regime to limit the citizens’ movement. The demonstrators against these efforts and others to improve urban environments unite under slogans such as “Stop the Tyranny”.

Who benefits?

Activism based on conspiracy theories may have serious risks. Many of the people involved lose contact with family and friends. Increasingly, conspiracy activists are accused of crimes. In 2024, an anti-vaccine plot was sentenced to prison for five years for encouraging violence against the chief doctor for England, Chris Witty.

In addition, when conspiracy theorists take measures without tested evidence, they can poorly identify targets. This can harm the innocent and can undermine the institutions necessary to resolve crimes.

Admittedly, the cases of conspiracy and unfair playing by characters and powerful organizations occur. You must then wonder how wasted energy while fighting imaginary enemies while real reprehensible acts are overlooked.

Perhaps the real winners here are the entrepreneurs of the conspiracy – people who capitalize on conspiracy theories by creating content that increases people’s suspicions on problematic events. In the process, these people strengthen attention and fame, while tightening products and services, books, goods and coaching, pills and vitamin gadgets.

This article is republished from the conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.