According to national surveys, more than half of Americans endorse at least one conspiracy theory. Many researchers have similar and differing views of their influence such as their psychological patterns, questioning of higher authorities, and how they are spread. It is surprising that little empirical research has addressed the reasons why some people are more likely to adhere to such beliefs than others.
The popularity of these beliefs suggest that they fulfil certain social functions or psychological needs. “Belief in conspiracy theories appears to be driven by motives that can be characterized as epistemic (understanding one’s environment), existential (being safe and in control of one’s environment), and social (maintaining a positive image of the self and the social group)” (Douglas). Some scholars came to view conspiracy theories as a product of psychopathology, such as extreme paranoia, delusional ideation or narcissism. Other relevant work has examined the psychological impact of exposure to conspiracy theories, particularly in relation to mass media sources. To some, a ‘conspiracy theory’ is understood as a distinct term for a problem of individual psychology. Still others have claimed that people believe in conspiracy theories to alleviate the confusion, frustrations, insecurities, and fears resulting from living in a modern society characterized by rapid social change, high levels of social and geographic mobility, a decline in individual autonomy, and an erosion of trust in the government.
Belief in conspiracy theories may motivate the public to challenge the social hierarchy and demand greater transparency from the government. But they also may lead to a rejection of science; feelings of powerlessness in politics, uncertainty, disillusionment and negative attitudes toward authority. Citizens highlighted the proliferation of conspiracy theories about the attacks at the World Trade Center in 2001, with polls suggesting that more than a quarter of respondents believe the US government knew in advance, participated in, or took no action to stop the attacks. Conspiracy theories have been variously linked to a crisis of trust in government, to the undermining of democratic deliberation, a weakening of the state’s capacity to govern, and even to the growth of violent extremism.
Given that most people have little or no firsthand information about the causes of many historical and social events, media plays a crucial role in providing the public with explanations for these events—including conspiracy theories. Relevant work has examined the psychological impact of exposure to conspiracy theories, particularly in relation to mass media sources but also
in relation to the tendency for people to believe that persuasive media has a larger influence on others than themselves. Research has shown that it is difficult for people to resist the influence of the information that was first accepted as truth but later turned out to be false or fabricated, which implies that the effect of media messages promoting a conspiracy theory on people’s belief in the theory may persist even when they receive information criticizing the theory afterward.