Power Corrupts Conspiracy Theories
May 1, 2019
Join Chris French, a psychology professor from Goldsmiths University who studies conspiracy theories, and Paul Burton, a devoted QAnon follower from Atlanta. The conversation delves into the psychological drivers behind conspiracy beliefs, touching on the flat Earth belief and historical mysteries like Australia's vanished Prime Minister. They explore bizarre theories, such as the myths surrounding Denver International Airport, and discuss how these beliefs impact politics, especially in the Trump era, highlighting the challenges in addressing misinformation.
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Harold Holt's Mysterious Vanishing
- Australia's Prime Minister Harold Holt vanished suddenly in 1967 while swimming at Cheviot Beach.
- His body was never found, leading to enduring conspiracy theories about his disappearance.
External Locus of Control Insight
- People prone to conspiratorial thinking often feel external forces control their lives.
- This thinking protects their self-image by blaming powerful others for their troubles.
Biases Fueling Conspiracies
- People tend to assume large events must have large causes, fueling conspiracy beliefs.
- There's also a bias to believe actions are intentional rather than random, increasing conspiratorial interpretations.
