conspiracy theories

Latest

conspiracy theories

This shows the outline of a woman's head

·October 2, 2021·7 min read

The Neurobiology of Memes and Conspiracy Theories

The propensity to believe in conspiracy theories may be a result of genetic determination, cognitive capacity, and affective reactions. Researchers found the representation of memes acts as neural network attractor states in the brain, linking them with the formation of conspiracy theories.

This shows a woman with a faskmask with the word protest written on it

Featured Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles Psychology

·July 30, 2021·4 min read

COVID Non-Compliers Are Less Open to New Ideas, More Extroverted and Driven by Self Interest

Those who flout COVID recommendations are less agreeable, have lower intellect and tend to be more extroverted than those who adhere to recommendations. COVID non-conformists also prioritize self-interest and personal freedom and show greater tolerance for social deviance, a new study reports.

This is a cartoon of a man in a facemask

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·July 27, 2021·3 min read

Paranoia Is Another Byproduct of the Pandemic

The coronavirus pandemic has sparked an increase of people reporting feelings of paranoia, especially in states where there is low adherence to mask mandates. Researchers report paranoia was associated with an increased acceptance of conspiracy theories, including believing anti-vaccine information and Q-Anon conspiracies.

This shows a shady man with his finger at his lips

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·April 17, 2021·4 min read

‘Deprogramming’ Qanon Followers Ignores Free Will and Why They Adopted the Beliefs in the First Place

Researchers warn that "deprogramming" beliefs of those who believe in outlandish conspiracy theories may be detrimentally harmful. Instead, they suggest a more cautious approach, such as listening to their concerns and problems, may prove to be a better option.

This shows a man reading a book with the word "conspiracies" written on the cover

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·April 16, 2021·6 min read

Doomscrolling: Why We Do It, and How We Can Stop

People are reporting an uptick in personal "doomscrolling" activities online. Marked by consuming excessive amounts of negative content during one sitting, doomscrolling may be linked to anxiety. Researchers provide suggestions about how people can halt doomscrolling activities.

This is a cartoon of a man looking at a cell phone with his head split open. Inside his head are images of COVID, the words "Fake News" and vaccines

Featured Psychology

·April 1, 2021·4 min read

Conspiracy Theories Are Dividing Us. How Do We Talk About Them?

Belief in conspiracy theories is causing problems within families and other close relationships. The growth of conspiratorial belief may be a result of social media outlets making it easier for those who believe in conspiracies to find other believers and share misinformation. Researchers say discussing your concerns for those close to you who believe in conspiracies requires a very careful approach.

This shows a blue question mark in a dark forest

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·March 27, 2021·3 min read

Many QAnon Followers Report Having Mental Health Diagnoses

Research has long revealed an association between belief in conspiracy theories and mental health disorders. A new study reports followers of the radical QAnon group are significantly more likely to suffer from mental health problems, including depression, anxiety, and schizophrenia, than the general population.

This shows a typewriter with the word Conspiracy typed out on a piece of paper

Featured Psychology

·February 11, 2021·8 min read

Which Conspiracy Theory Do You Believe In?

We are all vulnerable to conspiratorial thinking when we feel our identities are at stake and our emotions are strong.

This shows a woman and the covid19 structure

Featured Open Neuroscience Articles Psychology

·September 21, 2020·7 min read

Belief in Conspiracy Theories Is a Barrier to Controlling Spread of COVID-19

Belief in conspiracy theories surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic predicts personal resistance to coronavirus vaccination and preventative behaviors, such as mask-wearing.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·August 4, 2019·4 min read

Heavy metal music may have a bad reputation, but it has numerous mental health benefits for fans

Heavy metal music may have a bad reputation, but a new study reveals the music has positive mental health benefits for its fans.

This shows raised hands behind barbed wire

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·July 27, 2019·5 min read

The politics of fear: How it manipulates us to tribalism

Using fear as a political platform has created a resurgence in feelings of tribalism. The utilization of fear as a political tool is uninformed, illogical and can result in increased social violence. A new study looks at the impact of the politics of fear on tribalism.

Featured Open Neuroscience Articles Psychology

·October 16, 2018·4 min read

Innuendo Alone Can Fuel Conspiracy Theories

A new study reports innuendo alone in news coverage may fuel the belief in conspiracy theories. Researchers say news reports that imply correlations are enough to lead people to believe incorrect or false information.

1 2