Conspiracy theories can be big or small, completely outlandish or somewhat grounded in reality. Conspiracy theories are a common concept in our current society and culture. People make conspiracy theories about politicians, our government, historical events and most importantly, celebrities.
But why do so many people believe in conspiracy theories? Despite popular belief, conspiracy theories are not products of brainwashing or mental illness and they are not a very new concept either. Conspiracy theories have been around since the 14th century during the black death. Theories emerged that blamed jewish people for the illness. Conspiracy theories are just a product of normal human psychology, no matter how outlandish it is.
Conspiracy theories are not always as radical as people think. They can be rooted in reality as well. Some theories that start off as conspiracies are later proven to be true, such as MK Ultra.
Oftentimes, the conspiracy theories that humans come up with can be more entertaining and stimulating than the truth. Believing and making up conspiracy theories give people a false sense of security and understanding of significant events. The theories feed into the brain’s own desires in a way that the truth can not at times. The truth is disappointing sometimes and not very satisfying to some.
Human beings like to have explanations and reasoning that makes sense to them. Humans want to have an understanding of the world, and conspiracy theories can fulfil that need for them. However, it is one thing to believe that the Simpsons can predict the future and another to believe that the Holocaust was fake.
Conspiracy theory beliefs can lead straight into political belief. Politics can be a breeding ground for the most harmful and prejudiced conspiracy theories that are completely detached from reality.
Conspiracy theories appeal more to those with political or religious ideologies rather than a mental health condition. People that are religious might not trust external authorities, leading to more belief in conspiracy theories. Those who have a distrust in society often turn to conspiracy theories for comfort and answers.
Conspiracy theories may seem delusional, but they do not seem to be similar to delusions actually caused by mental illnesses. Delusions are false and are not shared beliefs amongst groups of people. However, on occasion, conspiracy theories turn out to be true and are shared beliefs that are based on real world information.
Delusions that are a product of mental health conditions like schizophrenia are often beliefs surrounding the believer rather than a group of people. People feeling as if they have been chosen to fulfill a greater purpose is a delusion, while believing that the Sandy Hook shooting was faked is not.
More often than not, conspiracy theories are used to fulfill unmet psychological needs. When someone feels as if they are on the losing side of politics, they may begin to convince themselves of different theories.
Conspiracy theories can quickly become based in racism or sexism as they become more political. Conspiracy theories like denying the Holocaust, George Floyd being an actor or that Hollywood is made up of lizard people are all rooted in anti-semitism and racial prejudice. Those believing in these conspiracy theories often believe that they are an oppressed group and are ostracized, or they are on the losing side of the political spectrum rather than having a mental health condition.
Those with mental health conditions and those who struggle with paranoia may be more vulnerable to conspiracy theories, but these individuals are not the cause of the conspiracy theories themselves. Even while a conspiracy theory is about a celebrity death, they are still used to push a belief in some way. Conspiracy theories are a normal part of human psychology that are corrupted by politics and those who have an agenda to push.