A Message to New "Conspiracy Theorists"

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, but research shows they may be more common than we thought. 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 immortal vampires, and controversial topics such as the belief that a small group of people are planning to overthrow the government. Often, one theory will have accompanying and sometimes contradictory conspiracy theories which can be dangerous if not challenged. On the other hand, it can be noted that some conspiracy theories have been proven to be true. With the increased popularity of conspiracies and exposure to information, it is possible to harm your mental health and relationships by developing a conspiracy theory addiction.

Conspiracy theory addiction is a behavioral addiction that can have a hidden impact on the way you perceive events and 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:

-Feeling anxious or fearful for no particular reason.
-Feeling a loss of control.
-A need to make sense of complex topics or unrelated events, even with little or no topical knowledge.
-Low self-esteem.
-Strong urge to make connections between a series of unrelated events or behaviors.
-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 previous feelings and behaviors significantly impact a person’s ability to function in their daily lives, they may have a conspiracy theory addiction.

Why Do People Believe in Conspiracy Theories?

Conspiracy theories occur when people create links between one or more unrelated events, emerging from the need for the human brain to find “patterns”. New research also shows that people with certain personality traits such as low self-esteem are more likely to have a conspiracy theory addiction. 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 a 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. One study found that people are more likely to believe in conspiracies if they are feeling anxious. Another study found that people who feel psychologically and/or socio-politically disempowered are more likely to believe in conspiracy theories. People who have a conspiracy theory addiction may be drawn to them as a way of making sense of the world and feeling more in control.

Researchers who have studied why people believe in conspiracy theories have found little evidence that believing in these theories actually help reduce anxiety or satisfy the need to feel in control. People who have a conspiracy theory addiction are less likely to engage in actions that could improve their autonomy and sense of control. The long-term effects of conspiracy theory addiction may leave people feeling more disempowered and anxious than before.
Need to Belong

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, low 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. Although belief in conspiracies are often motivated by the need to understand, be in control, and feel socially connected, these aren’t the results that are being gained. In fact, some studies have shown that believing in conspiracies can reinforce feelings of confusion, isolation, and loneliness. The cycle of addiction becomes destructive as negative feelings contribute to the belief in conspiracies, and the belief in conspiracies result in negative feelings. Conspiracy theory addiction not only causes a cycle of distrust, but it discourages people from participating in their social worlds. Someone who lacks a sense of control may stop viewing themselves as a valuable contributor to society.

Overcoming Conspiracy Theory Addiction

An issue often faced when trying to disprove conspiracy theories is that people who believe in them also tend to suspect that others are involved in covering up the “truth.” People will often try to argue or ridicule those who believe in conspiracies but this behavior often results in deepening the person’s commitment to their beliefs. Although certain factors that contribute to belief cannot be easily or quickly changed, researchers have found that promoting messages of self-control and empowerment can reduce conspiratorial thinking.

n one study, researchers found effectiveness in encouraging believers to pursue their goals using the “promotion-focused” approach. Those who are promotion-focused are less likely to believe in conspiracies and more likely to believe they have the power to control their future. Someone who has a conspiracy theory addiction may want to seek help from a counselor who can help them work towards personal goals and increasing a sense of personal empowerment. Creating an action-oriented mindset can help discourage belief in conspiracies and encourage self-responsibility and control.

Conspiracy theory addiction can cause long-term psychological and social harm to an individual. Therapy that centers on personal goals and strategies to achieve these goals can have a powerful impact on improving a sense of control and empowerment. If you’re interested in treatment for conspiracy theory addiction, call a dedicated treatment provider today.

JR’s Notes:

[youtu.be]
29:51 MM
And finally, stop chasing the MSM Tail. This is a point a repeatedly make - I will direct you to a Video I made on How the News is a Social Construct - it is used to Program you, in which I make the point, that yes, the News is a Social Construct. What is the News of the day? Well, that’s decided by some editor in some Mainstream Publication who more likely that not given the history of such things, look at CIA in the Media by Carl Bernstein just as a starter, these are likely Operatives of the Intelligence Agencies whether on the payroll or just in on a nod and wink sort of understanding, but at any rate these are people who are setting an Agenda for a specific reason and they want you thinking about this topic on this day, this topic on the other day and to do not ever set your own Agenda for what you want to understand about the world - about what you think is important - it is important to stop chasing the MSM Tail.

So unfortunately, even the Alternative Media can fall into that trap of only ever debunking what the Establishment is putting in, which is continuing to chase that Tail. What are they talking about? Well, let’s talk about that along with them. We have to set our own Agenda sometimes and just detach yourself. Maybe go on a Media Cleanse every now and then to see what it is that you think without other voices in your ear telling you what to think.

And that leads us to the fifth point, which may be a performative contradiction given the message of today’s Episode, but the fifth point is to stop looking for other people to tell you what to think, stop looking for other people to tell you how to act, stop looking for the alpha male leader who’s going to come in on a white horse and then, make everything right again. That is a False template that has been given to you by the Establishment to keep you waiting forever. Trust the plan - don’t worry - the real people - the alpha males are in charge - they’re going to take care of it - you just have to follow and obey.

No, you do Not have to follow and obey. There is such thing as earned authority. There is such thing as leadership that people should, well, should is a difficult word that people can follow if they choose to, but that’s leadership by example. People who aren’t just telling you what to do - people who are doing something and you look at that thing that they’re doing and you say, that’s right, I like that, I’m going to do that in my life and then, you lead others by example - not telling people what to do - not making people do what you want them to do, but leading by example being the change you want to see in the world. Stop me if you’ve heard this before, but it is important. Get out of the mind frame that the leader is going to come and tell you what to do. 32:25 MM



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 09/26/2020 12:54PM by John Rose.

That's why I always say, and will continue to say:
"Lean into the TRUTH of who YOU are, Sun/Light, becomes Air, becomes Water, becomes Earth and tune out the rest of the noise."

(Unfortunately, that falls on deaf ears on this "health" forum.)

Who believes in conspiracies? New research offers a theory

People with certain personality traits and cognitive styles are more likely to believe in conspiracy theories

Conspiracy theories have been cooked up throughout history, but they are increasingly visible lately, likely due in part to the president of the United States routinely embracing or creating them.

Given that any particular conspiracy theory is unlikely to be the subject of mainstream consensus, what draws people to them?

New research by Josh Hart, associate professor of psychology, suggests that people with certain personality traits and cognitive styles are more likely to believe in conspiracy theories. The research was recently published in the Journal of Individual Differences.

"These people tend to be more suspicious, untrusting, eccentric, needing to feel special, with a tendency to regard the world as an inherently dangerous place," Hart said. "They are also more likely to detect meaningful patterns where they might not exist. People who are reluctant to believe in conspiracy theories tend to have the opposite qualities."

Hart and his student, Molly Graether '17, surveyed more than 1,200 American adults. Participants were asked a series of questions related to their personality traits, partisan bent and demographic background. They were also asked whether they agreed with generic conspiratorial statements, such as: "The power held by heads of state is second to that of small unknown groups who really control world politics," and "Groups of scientists manipulate, fabricate or suppress evidence in order to deceive the public."

Previous research has shown that people gravitate toward conspiracy theories that affirm or validate their political view: Republicans are vastly more likely than Democrats to believe the Obama "birther" theory or that climate change is a hoax. Democrats are more likely to believe that Trump's campaign "colluded" with the Russians, Hart said.

Some people are also habitual conspiracists who entertain a variety of generic theories. For example, they believe that world politics are controlled by a cabal instead of governments or that scientists systematically deceive the public. This indicates that personality or other individual differences might be at play.

Hart and Graether wanted to build on this research by testing how much each of several previously identified traits could explain generic conspiracy beliefs. By examining multiple traits simultaneously, the pair could determine which ones were most important.

"Our results clearly showed that the strongest predictor of conspiracy belief was a constellation of personality characteristics collectively referred to as 'schizotypy,' Hart said.

The trait borrows its name from schizophrenia, but it does not imply a clinical diagnosis. Hart's study also showed that conspiracists had distinct cognitive tendencies: they were more likely than nonbelievers to judge nonsensical statements as profound (a tendency known as "BS receptivity".

In turn, they were more likely to say that nonhuman objects -- triangle shapes moving around on a computer screen -- were acting intentionally.

"In other words, they inferred meaning and motive where others did not," he said.

So what does this all mean?

"First, it helps to realize that conspiracy theories differ from other worldviews in that they are fundamentally gloomy," Hart said. "This sets them apart from the typically uplifting messages conveyed by, say, religious and spiritual beliefs. At first blush this is a conundrum. However, if you are the type of person who looks out at the world and sees a chaotic, malevolent landscape full of senseless injustice and suffering, then perhaps there is a modicum of comfort to be found in the notion that there is someone, or some small group of people, responsible for it all. If 'there's something going on,' then at least there is something that could be done about it."

Hart hopes the research advances the understanding of why some people are more attracted to conspiracy theories than others. But he said it is important to note that the study doesn't address whether or not conspiracy theories are true.

"After Watergate, the American public learned that seemingly outlandish speculation about the machinations of powerful actors is sometimes right on the money," he said. "And when a conspiracy is real, people with a conspiracist mindset may be among the first to pick up on it while others get duped.

"Either way, it is important to realize that when reality is ambiguous, our personalities and cognitive biases cause us to adopt the beliefs that we do. This knowledge can help us understand our own intuitions."

(Unfortunately, that falls on deaf ears on this "health" forum.)[/quote]

1.How do you know that
2. Why do you think we need your advice

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fresh
2. Why do you think we need your advice

I can't hit & run on that question...

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NuNativs

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fresh
2. Why do you think we need your advice

I can't hit & run on that question...

good. i will answer it for you.

We don't.

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fresh

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NuNativs

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fresh
2. Why do you think we need your advice

I can't hit & run on that question...

good. i will answer it for you.

We don't.

Wha! YOU get it anyways, it's a sort of free Internet...

exactly

that makes you a coercive tyrant.

just like the architects of the reset

did you go to the planning meetings last year?

you're so delusional you think people need or want your advice here. even though there is evidence repeatedly to the contrary.

there's a difference between sharing info and pompously claiming you need to educate us as the chosen one. but i have wasted my time with you again.

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fresh

just like the architects of the reset

did you go to the planning meetings last year?

I'm in CHARGE of the meetings...

(Just think of how dry and BORING it is if I wasn't here.)
Libs, masks, oppressed, vaccines, Fauci, control, Gates, Covid, Libs, masks, oppressed, vaccines, Fauci, control, Gates, Covid, Libs, masks, oppressed, vaccines, Fauci, control, Gates, Covid...
(Y'all are stuck on a loop of NOTHINGNESS)



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 09/26/2020 09:02PM by NuNativs.

More moronic accusations
You never stop
Broken record

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fresh
More moronic accusations

Accusations? I'd call it an OBSERVATION...

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NuNativs
What is Conspiracy Theory Addiction?

Conspiracy theory addiction can cause long-term psychological and social harm to an individual. Therapy that centers on personal goals and strategies to achieve these goals can have a powerful impact on improving a sense of control and empowerment. If you’re interested in treatment for conspiracy theory addiction, call a dedicated treatment provider today.

Cool, thanks for the link! A box popped up and said, "Live Chat. Are you looking for help for yourself or for a loved one?"

I said, "For a loved one. NuNativs."

So they should be knocking on your door any time now...

HAHA

I like when you two gang up on me, it's kinda cute

This IS the Job of a Citizen!!!