Insecurity and crises are the perfect breeding ground for conspiracy theories. But demographic and personality characteristics also determine the belief in conspiracy, with serious consequences.
UNCERTAINTY AS A CENTRAL FACTOR
Insecurity and uncertainty are circumstances that favor belief in conspiracy theories. They provide explanations for social problems and are therefore particularly attractive when official explanations are lacking or are considered unsatisfactory. It is precisely those events that provoke uncertainty and unease that often give rise to the emergence of conspiracy theories. Examples include the sudden death of a celebrity or a terrorist attack. Conspiracy theories have always thrived in times of crisis, as uncertainty is particularly high and the authorities cannot always give clear answers.
This can also be seen in the current Corona pandemic, which is marked by a high degree of uncertainty about its duration and effects. Moreover, the scientific explanation for the origin of the pandemic - the accidental passage of the virus from animals to humans - is perceived by some as unsatisfactory. In contrast, the conspiracy theories surrounding the coronavirus are much more dramatic. They claim that the virus originated in a laboratory and was spread intentionally. Or they claim that the virus is not dangerous and that it is a massive hoax designed to divert attention from some dark agenda. Conspiracy theories do not give rise to conspiracy theories. But demographic and personality characteristics also determine credibility in cooperation, with serious consequences.
Insecurity and crises are the perfect breeding ground for conspiracy theories. But demographic and personality characteristics also determine the belief in conspiracy, with serious consequences.
UNCERTAINTY AS A CENTRAL FACTOR Insecurity and uncertainty are circumstances that favor belief in conspiracy theories. They provide explanations for social problems and are therefore particularly attractive when official explanations are lacking or are considered unsatisfactory. It is precisely those events that provoke uncertainty and unease that often give rise to the emergence of conspiracy theories. Examples include the sudden death of a celebrity or a terrorist attack. Conspiracy theories have always thrived in times of crisis, as uncertainty is particularly high and the authorities cannot always give clear answers.
This can also be seen in the current Corona pandemic, which is marked by a high degree of uncertainty about its duration and effects. Moreover, the scientific explanation for the origin of the pandemic - the accidental passage of the virus from animals to humans - is perceived by some as unsatisfactory. In contrast, the conspiracy theories surrounding the coronavirus are much more dramatic. They claim that the virus originated in a laboratory and was spread intentionally. Or they claim that the virus is not dangerous and that it is a massive hoax designed to divert attention from some dark agenda. Conspiracy theories do not give rise to conspiracy theories. But demographic and personality characteristics also determine credibility in cooperation, with serious consequences.