How to help a conspiracy theorist: an ex believer and an expert weigh in
May 4, 2024
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Former conspiracy theorist and social psychologist share insights on the psychology behind conspiracy beliefs, difficulties in changing minds, and strategies to help loved ones. Personal experiences of strained relationships, motivations for belief, and tips for supporting those entrenched in conspiracy theories are discussed.
Conspiracy beliefs stem from needs for certainty, control, and social validation.
Challenging conspiracy beliefs may be perceived as personal attacks, requiring prevention strategies for change.
Deep dives
Understanding Conspiracy Beliefs and Motivations
Conspiracy beliefs are often motivated by desires for certainty, control, and social validation. Psychological needs, like wanting to feel unique or part of a group, also play a role in attracting individuals to these beliefs. Factors like narcissism, societal crises, and social isolation can increase vulnerability to conspiracies. People often resist changing these convictions, favoring information that confirms their beliefs.
The Struggle of Challenging Conspiracy Beliefs
Challenging conspiracy beliefs poses difficulties as individuals may perceive challenges to their beliefs as personal attacks. People deeply entrenched in conspiracies may resist changing their minds and seek information that supports their views. Prevention and maintaining relationships are highlighted as key strategies to address conspiracy beliefs, as changing someone's convictions is complex.
Personal Journey of Overcoming Conspiracy Beliefs
Brent Lee's journey of abandoning conspiracy beliefs after 15 years emphasizes the personal effort required to question and reassess deeply held convictions. An impactful moment conflicting with beliefs, like witnessing evidence contradictory to conspiracies, often triggers doubt and gradual change. Brent's experience underscores the importance of maintaining relationships and dialogue to support individuals navigating disengagement from conspiracy beliefs.
So you've got a loved one who's fallen deep down the conspiracy rabbit hole. Are they destined to stay there forever?
Today, we hear from a former conspiracy theorist and a social psychologist on what fuels these beliefs, how likely people are to change their minds, and what you can (and can't) do to help.
Want to listen to more All in the Mind? Check out our episode, The Certainty Myth.
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