People who frequently believe in conspiracy theories typically display these 8 behaviors, according to psychology

There’s a fine line between being naturally skeptical and falling down the rabbit hole of conspiracy theories.

This line is often defined by certain behaviors.

Dealing with such people can be tricky, especially when their beliefs are deeply ingrained. But understanding these key behaviors can provide valuable insights.

So, let’s dive into the behind conspiracy theories, and discover these 8 behaviors that conspiracy theorists commonly display. Trust me, it’s a fascinating journey!

1) Pattern recognition

One common behavior among those who frequently believe in conspiracy theories is a heightened tendency toward pattern recognition.

Psychologists have noted that our brains are wired to identify patterns. It’s what has helped us survive and evolve over the years. However, when this trait is overactive, it can lead to seeing connections where there are none.

Conspiracy theorists often fit into this category. They’re great at connecting the dots, even when the dots aren’t supposed to be connected. It’s like seeing shapes in clouds or reading too much into a simple coincidence.

This tendency towards pattern recognition often leads them down the rabbit hole of conspiracy theories, where every event is connected and nothing happens by chance.

Understanding this behavior can give you an insight into their thought process and possibly help in engaging with them more effectively.

2) Confirmation bias

Another behavior I’ve noticed among conspiracy theorists, including a close friend of mine, is the strong presence of confirmation bias.

Confirmation bias is when we favor information that confirms our pre-existing beliefs and ignore information that challenges those beliefs.

It’s a human tendency we all have to some degree, but it’s particularly pronounced in conspiracy theorists.

Let me share my friend’s example. He firmly believes in the existence of Bigfoot. Whenever he finds articles or videos supporting this belief, he shares them excitedly, firmly stating they’re concrete proof.

But when I show him scientific articles debunking these theories, he quickly dismisses them as ‘government propaganda’ or ‘mainstream media lies’.

In his mind, every piece of evidence supporting Bigfoot’s existence is accepted without question, while anything contradicting it is immediately discarded.

This confirmation bias reinforces his belief in Bigfoot and makes it difficult for him to consider alternate viewpoints.

3) Cognitive dissonance

Cognitive dissonance is a psychological theory that explains why conspiracy theorists often hold contradictory beliefs.

It suggests that we feel uncomfortable when we hold two conflicting thoughts or beliefs, and we try to reduce this discomfort by changing one of them.

Conspiracy theorists, however, often embrace conflicting theories. For instance, some people believe that Princess Diana was murdered by the British royal family and at the same time, they think she is still alive and in hiding.

The intriguing thing is that these two theories contradict each other. If Princess Diana was murdered, she can’t possibly be alive. Yet, the same people believe in both theories.

This ability to hold contradictory beliefs highlights the power of cognitive dissonance and underlines how strong the pull of conspiracy theories can be.

4) Need for uniqueness

Another behavior is the need for uniqueness. This stems from a desire to stand out from the crowd, to know something others don’t.

Conspiracy theories often offer exclusive knowledge, hidden truths that the rest of the world is supposedly oblivious to. This can be appealing to those who crave a sense of individuality and distinction.

It’s like being part of a secret club, where members have access to ‘privileged’ information. This satisfies their desire for uniqueness, as they believe they’re privy to truths that the majority are kept in the dark about.

This need for uniqueness doesn’t make them wrong or misguided. It simply provides an insight into why conspiracy theories can be so attractive to some.

5) Fear and insecurity

At the heart of many conspiracy theories lies fear and insecurity. It’s a tough world out there, and it can often feel like there’s so much beyond our control.

Conspiracy theories can provide a sense of order in this chaos. They offer explanations, however improbable, for the inexplicable and the uncertain.

It’s about feeling less helpless in a world that can be terrifyingly unpredictable. If there’s a sinister group controlling world events, at least someone is in control, even if their intentions are malevolent. It’s oddly comforting in its own way.

So when you encounter someone who frequently believes in conspiracy theories, remember that beneath all the improbable theories, there might be a person trying to make sense of a world that often doesn’t make much sense at all.

6) Distrust in authority

I’ve often noticed a strong distrust in authority among those who are drawn to conspiracy theories.

This isn’t surprising. After all, most conspiracy theories revolve around powerful entities pulling strings behind the scenes.

Growing up, I experienced first-hand how this distrust can develop.

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My father was a staunch believer in numerous conspiracy theories, all of which revolved around a deep-seated mistrust of the government and other authority figures.

This mistrust stemmed from his feeling that he had been let down by the system time and again.

This experience taught me that this distrust isn’t necessarily unfounded. It’s often rooted in personal experiences and disappointments, which makes it all the more real to the person experiencing it.

Understanding this can help in empathizing with why some people are more prone to believing in conspiracy theories than others.

It’s not about blindly trusting authority, but about acknowledging the experiences that lead to this distrust.

7) Desire for control

When unpredictable events occur or when things don’t go as planned, it can make us feel powerless and out of control.

Conspiracy theories can provide a sense of regained control. They present a narrative where everything happens for a reason, where events are not random but carefully orchestrated.

This belief in a controlled world, even if it’s controlled by sinister forces, can be more comforting than accepting the randomness of life. It gives a sense of understanding and predictability to an otherwise unpredictable world.

So, when dealing with someone who frequently believes in conspiracy theories, it’s important to understand that their beliefs might be rooted in a deep-seated desire for control and predictability.

8) Need for cognitive closure

Finally, the most crucial behavior often displayed by conspiracy theorists is the need for cognitive closure.

This is a psychological term that refers to an individual’s desire for a firm answer to a question and an aversion towards uncertainty.

Conspiracy theories often provide definitive answers to complex or ambiguous situations. They eliminate uncertainty, offering clear-cut narratives and explanations where reality provides none.

This need for cognitive closure can make conspiracy theories incredibly appealing. It’s not about the truthfulness of the theory, but the comfort of having an answer, any answer.

It’s about understanding, not judging

Remember, the person behind the theory is just that – a person. They have their reasons, their beliefs, and their fears.

Understanding this can help us approach conversations with compassion and curiosity, rather than judgment and defiance.

So, the next time you encounter a conspiracy theory or the person who believes in it, remember these behaviors.