Conspiracy Theories

Conspiracy theories refer to belief in alleged plots in which a group of people works together to execute a secret plan, particularly for an illegal or nefarious purpose. Such theories have been used to account for occurrences that lack official explanation or provide an alternative narrative when the official explanation is unsatisfying. These alternative narratives can provide people with a sense of control during situations in which they feel threatened or powerless. Studies indicate that people are more likely to accept conspiracy theories that align with their political beliefs and demonize their ideological opponents. Though many conspiracy theories are harmless, others may lead to prejudice against certain groups of people or distrust of factual information about specific events or institutions....