Why do some people believe in conspiracy theories?
in Psychology ·
feralhound55 said:Can a non-colleague weigh in here?
If I were to explain this without getting bogged down in medical jargon—since I lack the degree—I’d call it a refusal to take ownership of one's own life. It’s just easier to believe someone else is pulling the strings, making them the scapegoat for everything you do (or don't) do. It reminds me of how some parents act—taking credit for every little win their kid has, while blaming the child for any mistake by saying, "I didn't teach them that." Blindly believing in fate is basically the same thing.
So, not exactly a clinical disorder... more like just refusing to grow up. Is our non-colleague off base here? Or am I about to learn something new?
Personally, I find that mindset 😱 impossible. I could never live thinking I have no control over my own choices, or that my luck depends on anyone else.
That is a stellar explanation; there really isn't much to add. Beyond just dodging responsibility, I think people use these ideas as an escape from the sheer boredom of reality. It is fascinating how certain conspiracy enthusiasts actually pine for apocalyptic scenarios—take that whole 2012 end-of-the-world craze, for instance—to the point where they feel genuinely let down when the "prophets" turn out to be wrong. I have also noticed that these folks can be incredibly stubborn and aggressive toward any idea that doesn't fit their narrative, regardless of how sound or logical the counterarguments might be.
Then there is the question of where all this information even comes from. It seems Icke acts as some sort of messiah for the conspiracy crowd, yet the vast majority of these theories are pulled from completely unverified corners of the internet, which people seem all too willing to accept as gospel truth.
I am not saying there isn't some truth to be found, but I suspect many people get a bit too swept up in it, seeing shadows and conspiracies lurking behind every single corner.
Personally, I do believe in certain types of conspiracy theories, but at the end of the day, it still boils down to faith, just like any other belief system. Who knows? Given how quickly the following is growing, what we call conspiracy theories today might just evolve into a legitimate new religion in a few years.