What Is Conspiracy Theory Addiction?

 

A conspiracy theory can be defined as the belief that a secret-but-influential organization or individual is responsible for a circumstance or event. People often think that these beliefs are rare or sometimes absurd.

A lot of conspiracy theories relate to politics. That 9/11 was orchestrated by the US government so it could start wars in the Middle East. That powerful groups like the Illuminati are pulling the strings behind the scenes, plotting to establish a New World Order. Or that the new coronavirus is a bio-weapon engineered by the China.

The three basic assumptions are 

1. first, that nothing happens by accident. The idea that in history, there are no coincidences, no cock-ups. 
2. The second idea is that nothing is as it seems. The suggestion that you need to look beneath the surface to detect the actions and  the intentions of the evil conspirators. 
3. And the third idea is that everything is connected.

A study found that about 50% of Americans believe in at least one conspiracy theory. Conspiracy theories come in all forms, but most theories involve political and social events.

 Some examples include the belief that certain celebrities are controversial topics such as the belief that a small group of people are planning to overthrow the government.

With the increased popularity of conspiracies and exposure to information, it is possible to harm one’s mental health and relationships .

Conspiracy theory addiction is a behavioral addiction  has been linked to having more negative attitudes. Rather than helping one cope with their negative feelings, the belief in conspiracy theories can create a cycle of distrust and disempowerment. As a person encounters different sources, it is important to be able to analyze the information and distinguish between false theories and real threats.

People who strongly believe in conspiracy theories and become addicted may experience some of the following:

• Anxiety or fear for no particular reason.
• A perceived loss of control.
• A need to make sense of complex topics or unrelated events, even with little or no topical knowledge.
• Low self-esteem.
• A strong urge to make connections between a series of unrelated events or behaviors.
• A belief in paranormal explanations for scientific phenomenon.
• A sense of not belonging or isolation.
• A great alienation, disengagement, or disaffection from society

If the presence of the above feelings and behaviors significantly impacts a person’s ability to function in their daily lives, that person may have a conspiracy theory addiction.

Why Do People Believe in Conspiracy Theories?

Researchers have studied the different reasons why people believe in conspiracy theories, and many of the explanations include the following factors:

• A need for understanding and consistency.
• A need for control.
• A need to belong or feel special.

NEED FOR UNDERSTANDING

When a person experiences distress over uncertainty or witnesses a large-scale event, the mind will start to look for explanations that connect the dots. Those with lower analytical abilities and less tolerance for uncertainty are more likely to believe a conspiracy theory. This is because conspiracy theories can often provide explanations for events that seem confusing or frightening, and believers can assume that they are being intentionally deceived. People are also naturally inclined to search for information that confirms their existing beliefs; this is known as CONFIRMATION BIAS.

The ability to easily share and spread information over the internet has increased belief in certain conspiracy theories. Someone with a conspiracy theory addiction may seek out information to support something they already think is true, rather than seek out new information or challenge their beliefs. A need for understanding and consistency can lead to addictive behaviors such as spending excessive time on the internet and ignoring relationships and responsibilities.

Need For Control

Conspiracy theory addiction can also be caused by the need to feel safe and in control. When the human mind feels threatened, identifying what is causing the danger can be a way to cope with anxiety.

1.     One study found that people are more likely to believe in conspiracies if they are feeling anxious.

2.     Another study found that people who feel psychologically and/or sociopolitically disempowered are more likely to believe in conspiracy theories.

                3.     People who have a conspiracy theory addiction may be drawn to the theories as a way of making sense of the world and feeling more in control.

4.     The long-term effects of conspiracy theory addiction may leave people feeling more disempowered and anxious than before.

Defense mechanism,

Conspiracy theory addiction can also form as a defense mechanism, especially in those who feel alienation and disaffection from society. Typically those with a strong belief in conspiracies have a distrust in authority, lower self-esteem, lower levels of interpersonal trust, and feel that they are the “heroes” in the story — while those who are conspiring against them are the “enemy.”

As modern society becomes more complex and information is more easily spread, some people feel left behind in trying to keep up. When a person feels disadvantaged, they will often find ways to boost their own self-perceptions.

RISKS

Conspiracy theory addiction can have long-term negative effects on an individual. In fact, some studies have shown that believing in conspiracies can reinforce feelings of confusion, isolation, and loneliness.

Conspiracy theory addiction not only causes a cycle of distrust, but it discourages people from participating in their social worlds.

https://www.addictioncenter.com/drugs/conspiracy-theory-addiction/