Why do people believe in conspiracy theories?

This position holds that people believe conspiracy theories simply because they are true. It argues such theories are often heavily researched and that some have ultimately been vindicated—though critics note the vast majority of conspiracy theories are never borne out.

This position holds that people believe conspiracy theories as a cognitive reaction rooted deep in the subconscious. It argues such belief stems from thinking errors—clinging to 'degenerating research programmes' and committing the 'fatal attribution error'—and from the comfort the theories provide.

This position attributes belief in conspiracy theories to social factors. It argues that we do not adopt such beliefs in a vacuum — that peer pressure and group mentality draw people in, as belonging to a community that shares a theory becomes its own reason to believe.

This position attributes belief in conspiracy theories to distrust of the mainstream. It argues that those who distrust established institutions — the government and the media in particular — are far more likely to embrace conspiracy theories as an alternative account of events.

This position attributes belief in conspiracy theories to psychological factors. It argues that such beliefs are driven by epistemic, social and existential motives — the desire for understanding, belonging and control — and that a 'conspiracy mentality' predisposes some people to them.