“But It’s the Only Possible Explanation” 0
At Psychology Today Blogs, Jeffrey S. Debies Carl takes a two-part dive into why persons spread conspiracy theories. One of his most disturbing findings at persons may benefit from doing so, but the evidence that they do benefit from fomenting falsehoods is all around us in dis coarse discourse. I commend both articles to your attention.
Here are his summaries of the main points from both parts (emphasis added):
Part One, titled Why Do People Spread Conspiracy Theories?
- Many people assume people who spread conspiracy theories will be subject to ridicule.
- Research suggests that conspiracy theories might actually improve the reputations of people who spread them.
- Spreading conspiracy claims and thinking positively of those who spread them might be part of human evolution.
Part Two, titled Does It Pay to Spread Conspiracy Theories?
- A new study examines the reputational consequences of spreading conspiracy theories.
- The findings show that conspiracy claims can either improve the reputation of spreaders or harm them.
- Social conflict improves positive reputational outcomes of conspiracy spreading and minimizes negative ones.
