Why Do People Believe Conspiracy Theories?
Why Do People Believe Conspiracy Theories? Author: Nohil Kodiyatar ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8430-1641 ResearchGate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Nohil-Kodiyatar-2 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nohil-kodiyatar-b46787300 Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/author/nohil-kodiyatar99 Keywords: conspiracy theories, psychology, misinformation, cognitive bias, critical thinking, uncertainty, social influence Abstract Conspiracy theories propose that events are secretly controlled by powerful individuals or groups working behind the scenes. Some real conspiracies have occurred throughout history, but many conspiracy claims lack reliable evidence or rely on interpretations that cannot be independently verified. Why, then, do people find such explanations convincing? Psychological research suggests that conspiracy beliefs can be associated with the desire to understand complex events, regain a sense of control, protect social identity, and identify p...