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.
Supporting arguments · 3
- People believe in conspiracy theories because they distrust the governmentGovernmental distrust is on the rise, meaning that people are more likely to subscribe to beliefs that characterise it as an evil entity.
- People believe in conspiracy theories because they distrust the mediaDistrust of the ‘mainstream media’ is increasingly common, and has led to the spreading of conspiracy theories.
- People believe in conspiracy theories because they are conspiracistsMany of those who believe in conspiracy theories have a worldview that is singularly geared towards supporting them.