Conspiracy theories are theories suggesting that secret groups of influential individuals constantly operate from the shadows, behind the scenes of society, manipulating societal events. These theories often attribute malevolent intentions to these groups, suggesting they seek to harm others or control global occurrences while deliberately hiding the truth from the public. 2 View gallery Loneliness can cause the mind to race toward conspiracy ( Photo: Shutterstock ) Some theories cast doubts on the authenticity of significant historical events and commonly accepted truths, such as the 9/11 attacks or the moon landing, while others challenge what is generally accepted as common knowledge.
Although not a new phenomenon, the advent of the internet and social networks has greatly increased the exposure and dissemination of conspiracy theories, allowing those with similar beliefs to connect more easily. This has led some to argue that such theories contribute significantly to the current landscape of political and social polarization. In an era where misinformation and deception can be generated at the click of a button, understanding why people are drawn to conspiracy theories is increasingly important.
Many studies have examined the psychological factors that predispose certain individuals to these beliefs. These include both personal and social reasons, such as the fulfillment of needs for understanding, certainty, control, security, and the desire to maintain a positive self-i.