Core Concepts
Understanding the emotional appeal behind conspiracy theories is crucial to unraveling their hold on individuals and society.
Abstract
Conspiracy theories thrive on emotional appeal, offering a sense of superiority, excitement, and puzzle-solving satisfaction. They simplify complex issues, provide a false sense of certainty, and often go hand in hand with racism. Unraveling these beliefs requires patience, empathy, and a focus on evidence-based reasoning.
Stats
In the mid-20th century, historian Richard Hofstadter described a “paranoid style” in right-wing U.S. politics.
On June 24, 2022, the unknown leader of the QAnon conspiracy theory posted online for the first time in over a year.
Ninety-eight percent of scientists may agree on something, but the conspiracy mindset imagines the other 2% are really onto something.
Quotes
"People who craft conspiracies – or are willing to exploit them – know how emotionally powerful these racist beliefs are."
"All thinking is related to feeling – whether we’re learning about the world in useful ways or being led astray by our own biases."