Scientists have figured out why people believe in conspiracy theories

Scientists from Emory University (USA) conducted a meta-analysis of 170 works to understand why people believe in conspiracy theories. As it turned out, conspiracy theories give them a sense of security and allow them to better understand their surroundings. Study this was published in the journal Psychological Bulletin.

When needs for security and understanding are not met, people may turn to conspiracy theories to explain their own failures. Financial difficulties and health problems also increase the belief in conspiracy theories.

Personality traits also influence susceptibility to it. For example, narcissism and the need to feel unique. But the inability to think analytically and higher anxiety had a relatively low correlation with conspiracy thinking.

People are also more likely to believe in crazy news if they hear it from someone in their circle or someone they consider their peers.

As a result, the researchers concluded that not all conspiracy theorists are necessarily simple-minded, uneducated and stupid, as shown in popular culture. Some of them may be very smart people.