Why do people believe in conspiracy theories?
Given the increasing political relevance of QAnon, claims of election fraud in 2020, and Plandemic, I discuss the psychology behind conspiracy theories.
There are three main motives — the search for truth, a sense of security, and a desire for superiority — which are fulfilled by conspiracy theories. They are fueled by an essential distrust in the status quo, not necessarily a particular belief, so they don't even need to be self-consistent. This is why they are so difficult to disprove by presenting facts, which don't address the fundamental suspicion and conviction; especially when voices like Tucker Carlson and Donald Trump support them. Unfortunately, conspiracy theories have real consequences, especially during COVID-19, so we need to employ critical thinking to prepare ourselves.
https://www.apa.org/research/action/speaking-of-psychology/conspiracy-theories
https://www.theguardian.com/society/2020/nov/29/how-to-deal-with-a-conspiracy-theorist-5g-covid-plandemic-qanon