Encyclopedia of Opinion
Question
Why do people believe in conspiracy theories?
Position‹3 of 5›

Social factors make people believe in conspiracy theories

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.

Supporting arguments · 2

  1. Peer pressure makes people believe in conspiracy theories
    Conspiracy theorists are often part of communities which socially reward them for believing.
  2. Group mentality makes people believe in conspiracy theories
    The belief of conspiracy theories is part of a sort of groupthink.