Research on conspiracy theories

Research on conspiracy theories explores why people believe in ideas that suggest secret plots by powerful groups, often despite lacking strong evidence. Scholars examine how psychological factors like distrust, uncertainty, and the need for control influence these beliefs. They also study social influences, like misinformation and online communities, that spread these theories. Understanding these factors helps in developing strategies to address misinformation, promote critical thinking, and foster trust in credible information sources. Overall, the research aims to clarify how and why conspiracy theories take hold, and how they impact society.