Conspiracy Theories

Question 1

What are Conspiracy Theories?

Answer 1

Hoaxes created for the purpose of manipulating the public by a controller (only on you can trust) spreading a false warning

Question 2

Uncertainty and a perceived lack of control

Answer 2

Conspiracy theories provide simple answers for unanswered questions about a crisis, allowing people to retain a sense of predictability and control
- A conspiracy theory that restores a sense of control may be preferred to a state of uncertainty and lack of control, even with events that are more rationally seen as accidents (such as the pandemic)

Question 3

An enemy to blame

Answer 3

Conspiracy theories provide a scapegoat to blame for the disruption to people’s lives
- self-defence is enhanced against alleged threats, which can result to violence and falsely identify the enemy (ex. Nurses were blamed during the pandemic)

Question 4

A sense of being the hero

Answer 4

If creator of conspiracy theory convinces the public that a scapegoat is truly evil, even good people may perform violent acts as they believe it is right to do so

Question 5

A chance to be an expert

Answer 5

Gives a believer a chance to possess hidden, important, and immediate knowledge

Question 6

Fear of falling for a hoax

Answer 6

People more fearful of falling victim to a hoax are more likely than average to do exactly that
- thought of being manipulated/losing control can make an individual become fixated/suspicious on the false claim

Question 7

Refractoriness to evidence

Answer 7

Presenting of accurate evidence disproving a conspiracy theory can make the false belief stronger as they will think the person attempting to reason with them is in on it —> fear of being deceived

Question 8

The first to point the finger

Answer 8

Whoever is first to accuse someone else of lying raises suspicion —> reluctant to consider that the person who is accusing others of lying might be the one who is misleading us

Question 9

What are some personality traits associated with conspiracy theory belief?

Answer 9

• Distrust
• Low agreeability —> (less likely to get along with or sympathize with others)
• Narcissism —> (excessive admiration of oneself)
• Machiavellianism —> (cold and manipulative behaviour)
• Desire for uniqueness
• Openness to experience —> (imaginative & creative)