Conspiracy Theory Addiction Is Real

TwoWhalesInAPool

UKChat Celebrity
Joined
Aug 12, 2018
Messages
3,646
Reaction score
2,224
quote - ''This is an abuse free thread. You have a choice to walk on by'' :cool:

PART ONE -

Conspiracy theories occur when people create links between one or more unrelated events, a process that emerges from the need for the human brain to find patterns.

Research also shows that people with certain personality traits, such as low self-esteem, are more likely to have a conspiracy theory addiction.

When a person experiences distress over uncertainty or witnesses a large-scale event, the mind will start to look for explanations that connect the dots.

Those with lower analytical abilities and less tolerance for uncertainty are more likely to believe a conspiracy theory.

This is because conspiracy theories can often provide explanations for events that seem confusing or frightening, and believers can assume that they are being intentionally deceived.

People are also naturally inclined to search for information that confirms their existing beliefs; this is known as confirmation bias.

Conspiracy theory addiction is a behavioral addiction that can have a hidden impact on the way one perceives events and has been linked to having more negative attitudes.

Rather than helping one cope with their negative feelings, the belief in conspiracy theories can create a cycle of distrust and disempowerment.

As a person encounters different sources, it is important to be able to analyse the information and distinguish between false theories and real threats.

People who believe in conspiracy theories and become addicted may experience some of the following:

  • Anxiety or fear for no particular reason.
  • A perceived loss of control.
  • A need to make sense of complex topics or unrelated events, even with little or no topical knowledge.
  • Low self-esteem.
  • A strong urge to make connections between a series of unrelated events or behaviors.
  • A belief in paranormal explanations for scientific phenomenon.
  • A sense of not belonging or isolation.
  • A great alienation, disengagement, or disaffection from society
If the presence of the above feelings and behaviors significantly impacts a person’s ability to function in their daily lives, that person may have a conspiracy theory addiction.

 

TwoWhalesInAPool

UKChat Celebrity
Joined
Aug 12, 2018
Messages
3,646
Reaction score
2,224
PART TWO

Why Do People Believe In Conspiracy Theories?

Researchers have studied the different reasons why people believe in conspiracy theories, and many of the explanations include the following factors:
  • A need for understanding and consistency.
  • A need for control.
  • A need to belong or feel special.
The ability to easily share and spread information over the internet has increased belief in certain conspiracy theories.

Someone with a conspiracy theory addiction may seek out information to support something they already think is true, rather than seek out new information or challenge their beliefs.


A need for understanding and consistency can lead to addictive behaviors such as spending excessive time on the internet and ignoring relationships and responsibilities.

Need For Control

Conspiracy theory addiction can also be caused by the need to feel safe and in control.

When the human mind feels threatened, identifying what is causing the danger can be a way to cope with anxiety.

One study found that people are more likely to believe in conspiracies if they are feeling anxious.

Another study found that people who feel psychologically and/or socio-politically disempowered are more likely to believe in conspiracy theories.

People who have a conspiracy theory addiction may be drawn to the theories as a way of making sense of the world and feeling more in control.

Researchers who have studied why people believe in conspiracy theories have found little evidence that believing in these theories actually helps reduce anxiety or satisfy the need to feel in control.

People who have a conspiracy theory addiction are less likely to engage in actions that could improve their autonomy and sense of control. The long-term effects of conspiracy theory addiction may leave people feeling more disempowered and anxious than before.

 

TwoWhalesInAPool

UKChat Celebrity
Joined
Aug 12, 2018
Messages
3,646
Reaction score
2,224
PART THREE

Need To Belong

Conspiracy theory addiction can also form as a defense mechanism, especially in those who feel alienation and disaffection from society.

Typically those with a strong belief in conspiracies have a distrust in authority, lower self-esteem, lower levels of interpersonal trust, and feel that they are the “heroes” in the story — while those who are conspiring against them are the “enemy.”

As modern society becomes more complex and information is more easily spread, some people feel left behind in trying to keep up.

When a person feels disadvantaged, they will often find ways to boost their own self-perceptions.

Risks

Conspiracy theory addiction can have long-term negative effects on an individual.

Although belief in conspiracies is often motivated by the need to understand, be in control, and feel socially connected, these aren’t the results that are being gained.

In fact, some studies have shown that believing in conspiracies can reinforce feelings of confusion, isolation, and loneliness.

The cycle of addiction becomes destructive as negative feelings contribute to the belief in conspiracies and the belief in conspiracies results in negative feelings.

Conspiracy theory addiction not only causes a cycle of distrust, but it discourages people from participating in their social worlds.

Someone who lacks a sense of control may stop viewing themselves as a valuable contributor to society.

 

TwoWhalesInAPool

UKChat Celebrity
Joined
Aug 12, 2018
Messages
3,646
Reaction score
2,224

PART FOUR


Overcoming Conspiracy Theory Addiction​


An issue often faced when trying to disprove conspiracy theories is that people who believe in them also tend to suspect that others are involved in covering up the “truth.”

Although certain factors that contribute to belief cannot be easily or quickly changed, researchers have found that promoting messages of self-control and empowerment can reduce conspiratorial thinking.

In one study, researchers found effectiveness in encouraging believers to pursue their goals using the “promotion-focused” approach.

Those who are promotion-focused are less likely to believe in conspiracies and more likely to believe they have the power to control their future.

Someone who has a conspiracy theory addiction may want to seek help from a counselor who can help them work toward personal goals and increasing a sense of personal empowerment.

Creating an action-oriented mindset can help discourage belief in conspiracies and encourage self-responsibility and control.

Conspiracy theory addiction can cause long-term psychological and social harm to an individual.

Therapy that centers on personal goals and strategies to achieve these goals can have a powerful impact on improving a sense of control and empowerment.

 

Brass

UKChat Initiate
Joined
Mar 13, 2021
Messages
295
Reaction score
54
Yet STILL you can’t explain why anything I’ve posted is THEORY.
The poster has made themselves so paranoid of being perceived as a conspiracy theorist that they're willing to overlook all the lies told by his established heroes. He's not going to debate anything. He has no point. He's been reduced to name-calling now.
 

Kev45

A beautiful sunset that was mistaken for a dawn.
Joined
Nov 2, 2022
Messages
753
Reaction score
540
A pair of low status, angry beta males, get all shouty and aggressive whenever their deluded views are challenged. ;)
 

Kev45

A beautiful sunset that was mistaken for a dawn.
Joined
Nov 2, 2022
Messages
753
Reaction score
540
Whatever happened to "Pandemicoffffffffear"? Another one who spammed thousands of posts to itself, and another complete fruitcake.
 

Brass

UKChat Initiate
Joined
Mar 13, 2021
Messages
295
Reaction score
54
A pair of low status, angry beta males, get all shouty and aggressive whenever their deluded views are challenged. ;)
Nice try. But you're the one being challenged. You have yet to explain why you remain blind to the lies of people you've trusted. The answer, of course, is that you're afraid to face it.

So, why did fauci not speak up when he knew that the FDA's recommended cycle-threshold of 40 was way too high? And why did the FDA do such a stupid thing? I've already posted the quote from him that confirms what I'm saying. Do you have any explanation for that bullshyt, or are you going to pretend you haven't been asked to explain it? I'm guessing you're a pretender . . .
 

Kev45

A beautiful sunset that was mistaken for a dawn.
Joined
Nov 2, 2022
Messages
753
Reaction score
540
Nice try. But you're the one being challenged.

I am not being challenged at all, you deluded sausage, at least not by you or your greasy sidekick. You are making the claims, the onus is on you to prove it. :D
 

Brass

UKChat Initiate
Joined
Mar 13, 2021
Messages
295
Reaction score
54
I am not being challenged at all, you deluded sausage, at least not by you or your greasy sidekick. You are making the claims, the onus is on you to prove it. :D
Oh but I did! Fauci said a cycle-threshold of anything over 35 will spit out meaningless results. I showed you the quote. But it turns out I was right about you. You're going to continue pretending that you weren't show the evidence you asked for.

So now that you know that the PCR-test was deliberately set too high, respond like an adult this time.

Everyone should take note of this poster's refusal to acknowledge even one fact.
 
Back
Top