Why Conspiracy Theories Are Fun but Dangerous

[Michie]

Sensation-seeking individuals often find conspiracy theories exciting and fun.

• Sensation-seeking individuals can find conspiracy theories exciting and entertaining.
• Belief in conspiracy theories can harm people's mental and physical health.
• Some people enjoy feeling privy to secret information they deem to be more accurate than public information.

When I was a youngster, a conspiracy theory captured the imagination of many of my friends. My friend Lois, whip-smart and street-smart, told me that our favorite band, The Beatles, was covering up the death of singer-songwriter Paul McCartney, substituting him with a lookalike. Fans worldwide uncovered clues in album cover art, song lyrics, and band behavior that “proved” Paul was dead.

Continued below.

Why Conspiracy Theories Are Fun but Dangerous

Conspiracy theories represent exciting entertainment for believers, but their beliefs can amplify anxiety and harm individuals and society.

www.psychologytoday.com

 

[DJWhalen]

... the moon landing is a fake...

 

[Michie]

... the moon landing is a fake...

We’ll have to disagree on that one.