What psychological function do conspiracy theories serve?

What psychological function do conspiracy theories serve?
by

1 Answer

Answer :

Since humans naturally want to assign and attribute meaning to things, we tend to feel good about attributing to conspiracy what can more easily be explained by incompetence, stupidity, coincidence, etc.
by

Related questions

Do you personally know anyone with Covid conspiracy theories?

Description : Do you personally know anyone with Covid conspiracy theories?

Last Answer : This is a hard one. Remember when saying Covid came from a lab was a conspiracy theory? But now more and more experts are leaning towards that as an answer to the question of where it came from. My ... is something that was thought to be true that wasn't. And yet people continue to act like it is.

What is worse about todays politicians, the wacko conspiracy theories about the other side, or just the constant lies?

Description : What is worse about todays politicians, the wacko conspiracy theories about the other side, or just the constant lies?

Last Answer : C. The fact that they exist.

What conspiracy theories do you believe in?

Description : What conspiracy theories do you believe in?

Last Answer : I think there is an army of cyberfreaks down at the NSA whose job it is to manufacture and propagate conspiracy theories across the net 24/7/365 to keep America confused and divided. ... politically impotent, depressed and self-defeating, thereby keeping the One Percent unmolested and in control.~

What is the best argument to refute Illuminati Conspiracy Theories?

Description : What is the best argument to refute Illuminati Conspiracy Theories?

Last Answer : answer:All conspiracy theories are illogical and rely on faulty reasoning to believe them. “Believe” is the operative word. There is no evidence that soundly upholds the ideas, so they must be believed. It is impossible to reason with a believer, thus the conspiracy theories are irrefutable.

I am in total shock about the Malaysian airline being shot down. Are there any conspiracy theories about the disappeared plane and this most recent incident?

Description : I am in total shock about the Malaysian airline being shot down. Are there any conspiracy theories about the disappeared plane and this most recent incident?

Last Answer : The russians did it. They will use that as another piece of their excuse portfolio to invade the ukraine.

How many conspiracy theories do you subscribe to?

Description : How many conspiracy theories do you subscribe to?

Last Answer : I wouldn’t say I “subscribe” to any, but something doesn’t smell right with the whole Kennedy thing.

Do you feel that people who are into conspiracy theories are "deep thinkers?"?

Description : Do you feel that people who are into conspiracy theories are "deep thinkers?"?

Last Answer : I also find conspiracy theorists to be irrational ,paranoid and delusional but the fact remains that some conspiracies are real,

What are the most convincing conspiracy theories?

Description : What are the most convincing conspiracy theories?

Last Answer : The ones peppered with just enough truth to confuse, served to people who’ve been lied to by the authorities they formerly trusted.

Have you heard or entertained any interesting conspiracy theories associated with David Petraeus' resignation as D/CIA?

Description : Have you heard or entertained any interesting conspiracy theories associated with David Petraeus' resignation as D/CIA?

Last Answer : It is amazing that in today's paranoia, there haven't already been more and wilder conspiracy theories getting widespread attention. So far, all I've heard is that Obama knew and kept the lid on it till ... theories will fly. I think the types who think them up are a little bit slow on the uptake.

What is the appeal of conspiracy theories?

Description : What is the appeal of conspiracy theories?

Last Answer : It makes someone feel special. That they contributed to something in society other than flipping burgers. It is also good practice for beginners, not only in critical thinking but in writing and speaking skills for those who wouldn’t normally given the opportunities to express oneself creatively.

Conspiracy theories aside, if you were a straight actor in Hollywood, would you do a movie where you would have to dress in drag or do gay scene?

Description : Conspiracy theories aside, if you were a straight actor in Hollywood, would you do a movie where you would have to dress in drag or do gay scene?

Last Answer : answer:If I thought I was good enoguh to pull it off I'd try. I don't know if my acting would be good enough, it seems like it would be a hard thing to do. Jim Carrey in I love you Phillip ... as a gay man in that movie made me realize he is a serious and talented actor as well as a funny guy.

Which is more frightening: that conspiracy theories are true or that conspiracy theories are false?

Description : Which is more frightening: that conspiracy theories are true or that conspiracy theories are false?

Last Answer : answer:I would be more freaked out if they turned out to be true, because the implications are a lot more… profound I suppose. I prefer living in a sometimes absurd world where there is only chaos. *does not believe in most, if not all conspiracy theories.

Which conspiracy theories do you personally believe?

Description : Which conspiracy theories do you personally believe?

Last Answer : Oh here we go! ::grabs the popcorn::

Is there a conspiracy to generate conspiracy theories?

Description : Is there a conspiracy to generate conspiracy theories?

Last Answer : I am sure there is a push for certain conspiracies to get amplified for certain gains. On the other hand, there are sometimes real reasons to mistrust the government.

Are those people who are laughing at conspiracy theories themselves victims of a conspiracy.

Description : Are those people who are laughing at conspiracy theories themselves victims of a conspiracy.

Last Answer : Behind you @Ben_Dover. Look behind you.

Which conspiracy theories, if any, holds the most intrigue for you?

Description : Which conspiracy theories, if any, holds the most intrigue for you?

Last Answer : All the 911 “theories” are great. Loose Change is a good one.

Do you feel that widely discredited conspiracy theories should be given any play on Fluther? Why, or why not?

Description : Do you feel that widely discredited conspiracy theories should be given any play on Fluther? Why, or why not?

Last Answer : I think they are just going to cause fights. There’s no real answer to those questions. It’s gonna turn into bashing. I vote no conspiracy theories.

Does anyone believe the conspiracy theories behind 9/11, about it being a set up by the us government?

Description : Does anyone believe the conspiracy theories behind 9/11, about it being a set up by the us government?

Last Answer : Not me, but a few conspiracy-theorists seem to.

What is your understanding of Occam's razor, and how exactly does it unequivocally negate all conspiracy theories?

Description : What is your understanding of Occam's razor, and how exactly does it unequivocally negate all conspiracy theories?

Last Answer : It’s pretty simple. Examine your own life and see if it isn’t most often true. (I’d ay more but I am playing poker…be back in a few)

Extraterrestrials are being hidden by our governments - Why are conspiracy theories so popular?

Description : Extraterrestrials are being hidden by our governments - Why are conspiracy theories so popular?

Last Answer : The extra terrestrials are now being hidden in plain view. Waht do you think G Dubya and his family is/are?

Anyone here have conspiracy theories?

Description : Anyone here have conspiracy theories?

Last Answer : answer:My buddy is way into it and talked me into reading this: http://www.codexmagica.com/ I think these ideas are totally insane but could make for an amusing hobby.

Which conspiracy theories might be true ?

Description : Which conspiracy theories might be true ?

Last Answer : Some of the conspiracy theories that actually turned out to be true are: poisoned alcohol, gay bombs, cancer causing vaccine and operation mockingbird theories.

Why are conspiracy theories popular?

Description : Why are conspiracy theories popular?

Last Answer : It gives people a spurious feeling of being "in on something", "smarter than everyone else", "a rebel".

Do psychological traumas change a person's interests?

Description : Do psychological traumas change a person's interests?

Last Answer : We need details. The question is too vague. I can imagine scenarios where a person’s interest is changed and where it’s not.

Is homophobia a psychological condition?

Description : Is homophobia a psychological condition?

Last Answer : Homophobia means a fear of the same, so if it was used correctly, as a term, it would be a psychological condition. Ironically, it is used as a term to describe people who are strongly ... term, but a silly word used to describe an ignorant bigot, instead of just calling them ignorant bigots.

Would you care to take part in a simple psychological experiment?

Description : Would you care to take part in a simple psychological experiment?

Last Answer : Well, I scrolled all the way down, so doing it became pointless.

Is there a huge difference between trying online articles about psychological therapy & treatment and actually going to see a therapist?

Description : Is there a huge difference between trying online articles about psychological therapy & treatment and actually going to see a therapist?

Last Answer : I think it’s a bit like reading about the physics of the perfect baseball swing and actually practicing hitting the ball. The textbook will actually be very useful and you’re going to be better off for having read it. That said, reading and participating are two very different activities.

Is there any sort of psychological test people should have to pass to harvest souls for God?

Description : Is there any sort of psychological test people should have to pass to harvest souls for God?

Last Answer : If there was a god, and he allowed people to harvest souls for him, it would be for his amusement only, with no souls actually harvested.

Is there an evolutionary or psychological purpose for the human sense of humor?

Description : Is there an evolutionary or psychological purpose for the human sense of humor?

Last Answer : answer:Laughing is healthy: Lower blood pressure Increase vascular blood flow and oxygenation of the blood Give a workout to the diaphragm and abdominal, respiratory, facial, leg, and back muscles Reduce certain ... creativity, and memory So there is a decided purpose to it, it makes us feel better.

How do I get my mom to seek psychological help (Long - please read)

Description : How do I get my mom to seek psychological help (Long - please read)

Last Answer : answer:First, eferrara, let me offer my high respect and admiration for caring enough about your mom's well-being that you are seeking whatever avenues (including this site) which you can use to ... . Finally, let me say that your mother is extraordinarily fortunate to have a daughter like you .

Is there a psychological diagnosis for the people who imagine that airline safety rules and regulations should not apply to them?

Description : Is there a psychological diagnosis for the people who imagine that airline safety rules and regulations should not apply to them?

Last Answer : That woman & those like her should be strip searched so as to remove the giant bug from their arses.

How do you recover from a psychological scar?

Description : How do you recover from a psychological scar?

Last Answer : answer:I think it´s important to remember that you´re not alone. Many people go through terrible things and are able to eventually heal. Time does help and other than that different coping ... be really good if you´re comfortable with that. Sending you positive energy and hope for healing.

Where could I find a good book on how we remember thing and retrieve information on a psychological level?

Description : Where could I find a good book on how we remember thing and retrieve information on a psychological level?

Last Answer : Boost Your Memory

What are some ways of psychological abuse similar to gas lighting?

Description : What are some ways of psychological abuse similar to gas lighting?

Last Answer : Being all warm and friendly to a friend at times, and then cold and dismissive at other times.

Is love a social construct? Or is it a biological response to something? Or is it a psychological weakness?

Description : Is love a social construct? Or is it a biological response to something? Or is it a psychological weakness?

Last Answer : All of the above, yes.

Do you think labelling psychological illnesses and disorders helps or hinders healing and recovery?

Description : Do you think labelling psychological illnesses and disorders helps or hinders healing and recovery?

Last Answer : Things need labels and names. What would we call…everything? I think we could narrow this down and tackle the problem of people being misinformed about many things in general. Kate the Great asked a question similar to this about mental illness.

When we protect our children from certain kinds of knowledge, are we protecting their psychological health, or are we protecting ourselves from dealing with uncomfortable subects?

Description : When we protect our children from certain kinds of knowledge, are we protecting their psychological health, or are we protecting ourselves from dealing with uncomfortable subects?

Last Answer : answer:One must go with the gut feel on this one. The TV has its ratings scheme but most parents by default know their kids best. Err on the safe side I guess. If a parent is uncertain about ... follow I guess. Just the ability to adapt to present situations in your kid's life and growth process.

How have you overcome really old psychological injuries?

Description : How have you overcome really old psychological injuries?

Last Answer : I became the bully, I got very aggressive with people who thought they could push me around :-/

Have you always wondered about having some hidden illness, psychological or physical, but have never had the courage or initiative to check it out?

Description : Have you always wondered about having some hidden illness, psychological or physical, but have never had the courage or initiative to check it out?

Last Answer : No. Life is to short to be a hypochondriac.

What psychological term or diagnosis would describe this?

Description : What psychological term or diagnosis would describe this?

Last Answer : I think plenty of people think they’re special as that’s crealy subjective – however, I don’t think there is any such thing as normal and that everyone else chooses to be ‘different’ – but I’m thinking you are clumping me into the group you mention

What is the feeling/psychological state called when your playing a game or virtual world & lose awareness of surroundings?

Description : What is the feeling/psychological state called when your playing a game or virtual world & lose awareness of surroundings?

Last Answer : Living in the present (you’re).

What is the psychological explanation for the need to communicate?

Description : What is the psychological explanation for the need to communicate?

Last Answer : Look at Myers-Briggs personality scale http://www.personalitypathways.com/type_inventory.html. It will help explain how some people are non-communicative (among other personality types). As one of the ... My mind is so busy that speaking and listening interfere with everything I have going on.

What are some psychological equations in existence today?

Description : What are some psychological equations in existence today?

Last Answer : There are hundreds and hundreds of similar equations in the area of perception alone, and that is one small area of the field of psychology.

How important is ritual to psychological well being?

Description : How important is ritual to psychological well being?

Last Answer : I think ritual is very important. it gives us comfort. On the other hand, it ties us down. I think we need to be flexible with it and recognize its role in our lives.

Do you think you're a <insert medical, psychological condition>? Are you? Why?

Description : Do you think you're a ? Are you? Why?

Last Answer : I've never been diagnosed with anything, but I often suspect that there might be something slightly wrong with me, if I compare my thought process and emotional means to deal with things with that of other ... bad however, as I've never had any real feedback from the many sessions I had to attend.

Are there psychological repercussions for choir boys?

Description : Are there psychological repercussions for choir boys?

Last Answer : @Beta_Orionis Thanx for clarifying, I was a bit puzzled by the question. I don’t have an answer but it is a very interesting question.

I know someone who can't get startled- Can this be a sign of any psychological or even psychotic conditions?

Description : I know someone who can't get startled- Can this be a sign of any psychological or even psychotic conditions?

Last Answer : How much of a lack of sympathy do they show? if they frequently talk about killing people that you have some concern. Just use your common sense

Would you use a rival's admission of psychological issues against them?

Description : Would you use a rival's admission of psychological issues against them?

Last Answer : What do you think? @The_Compassionate_Heretic

Do you think using animals for psychological and medical research is humane or should be stop or limited?

Description : Do you think using animals for psychological and medical research is humane or should be stop or limited?

Last Answer : Perhaps you mean humane?

Is there any psychological benefit to worrying and do women worry more than men on average?

Description : Is there any psychological benefit to worrying and do women worry more than men on average?

Last Answer : There are no benefits at all, that I know of, from worrying. But being a mother whos son is only 65 miles away right now, I can understand! It’s natural to worry especially when a child is involved! Plus it’s not like her daughter is next door where she can run and get her if something goes wrong!