A recent study by the Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung e.V. (FES) revealed that in Germany, supporters of the far-right party AfD are more likely to believe in conspiracy theories. Similarly, in the United States, various conspiracy theories are widespread, including the claim that the US government orchestrated the 9/11 attacks. Researchers at Emory University, led by Shauna Bowes, sought to understand why some people are more susceptible to believing in conspiracy theories. Their meta-analysis, published in the Psychological Bulletin, examined 170 studies with over 158,000 participants. The study found that certain personality traits and motivations make individuals more prone to believing in conspiracy theories.
According to the study, individuals who are manipulative, egocentric, paranoid, and withdrawn are more likely to believe in conspiracy theories. On the other hand, those who are open and conscientious are less likely to believe in them. The study also found that people who feel socially threatened or uncertain in their own lives are more likely to believe in conspiracy theories. They may turn to these theories to explain their hardships and gain a sense of superiority over others. The desire for simple explanations in an increasingly complex world also plays a role in their susceptibility to conspiracy theories.
Bowes emphasizes the need for future research to focus on the complexity of conspiratorial thinking. By analyzing the connections between conspiracy theories, motivation, and individual personality traits, researchers can gain a better understanding of the psychological factors behind belief in conspiracy theories.
In conclusion, the study sheds light on the personality traits and motivations that make individuals more susceptible to believing in conspiracy theories. It challenges the common misconception that conspiracy theorists are simple-minded or mentally ill. The findings also highlight the importance of addressing social and personal insecurities to combat the spread of conspiracy theories.
