PSYCHOLOGY

The Earth is Flat?! Why do people believe in conspiracy theories? 🤔

Picture this: you finish your day, scroll through social media, and notice that someone - maybe an aunt, a friend, or even a president - has gotten behind a cause you know is based on misinformation. As you read through the comments, you realise that many others are buying into it too. Your first reaction might be to think, "What’s going on here?"

While it’s easy to dismiss these people as misinformed, there’s actually a scientific explanation for why a person might embrace conspiracy theories in the first place.

💡 Things to consider

• Epistemic motivations: Epistemic motivations refer to a person’s need to seek understanding, accuracy, and certainty. Individuals with these motives are driven to explore ideas because they want to make sense of the world. For example, in the context of the 1969 moon-landing conspiracy, a person with an epistemic motive might feel the need to understand the event more deeply, as simply accepting "it was real" doesn’t provide certainty. If they are determined, they may cling to their belief even in the face of overwhelming evidence to the contrary. They might rationalise debunking evidence by saying, "If they faked [xyz], they could fake that evidence too." Their need for certainty leads them to disregard contradictory evidence, reinforcing their belief in the conspiracy.

  

  Did they really just trick us all?

• Existential motivations: Existential motivations refer to a person’s need to feel safety or control in their environment. When someone experiences a sense of despair or uncertainty, rejecting official narratives and embracing alternative explanations can feel empowering. Take the COVID-19 pandemic, for example. The overwhelming number of deaths left many worried about their safety and questioning any new information released. In this context, some people found comfort in conspiracy theories, such as claims that COVID-19 was a globalist plot involving 5G towers to control populations. While these ideas may seem ridiculous to others, for those who believe them, they offer a sense of control and understanding, even if it means rejecting the real but terrifying truth.

  

• Social motivations: Social motivations are driven by the need to belong to a community of like-minded individuals, which can enhance one's self-image and social identity. Being part of such a group often involves creating an "us" versus "them" mentality, where blame for negative outcomes is placed on external parties. This allows the individual and their in-group to feel superior. For example, in racial supremacy groups, conspiracy theories help reinforce this divide, making members feel more powerful by blaming minorities for societal problems. Have you ever seen an ‘us vs. them’ mentality online? How do you think the internet contributes to the further spreading of this mindset?

  

  … and potentially harmful!

  Though one motive alone can drive belief in conspiracy theories, often it's a combination of epistemic, existential, and social motives. This blend creates a dangerous psychosocial environment, especially when the individual’s faith in the conspiracy is so strong that no evidence can change their beliefs.

🔎 Find out more

• Video: Birds Aren't Real - Peter McIndoe (TEDTalk)

• Psychological Benefits of Conspiracy Theories

• Podcast: Marianna in Conspiracyland (BBC Four)

🍒 The cherry on top

• 🌋 The Science of Volcanoes: How do volcanoes erupt, and what can they teach us about Earth’s inner workings? Dig into the science of how new volcanoes form, and what causes their unpredictable eruptions in this TED-Ed video. Great if you’re into Geography or Geology!

• 🏛️ Acoustic Naturalism: Have you ever noticed how some buildings feel calming while others are overwhelming? This Aeon article explores how architects use acoustics to create spaces that feel natural and harmonious. A must-read if you’re into Architecture, Art History, or Physics.

• 🗣️ A Duolingo Delusion?: Is Duolingo the key to mastering a new language, or is there more to fluency than gamified lessons? This article explores the strengths and limitations of language learning apps, diving into what it really takes to become fluent. A fascinating read for students interested in Linguistics or Modern Foreign Languages!

👀 Keep your eyes peeled for…

• 2nd December

  • Exeter Competitive University Applications Webinar

  • Portsmouth Technology in Action Webinar

• 3rd December

  • Reading Education Webinar

  • Portsmouth Technology in Action Webinar

• 4th December

  • Sheffield Music Taster Webinar

  • Sunderland Forensic Psychology vs Criminology Webinar

• 5th December

  • Portsmouth Technology in Action Webinar

• 6th December

  • Portsmouth Technology in Action Webinar

• 7th December

  • UCL Essay Writing Workshop

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