Our worldview forms during childhood as a result of our socialization within a particular cultural context. Our views get reinforced over time by the social groups we keep, the media we consume, and even the way in which our brains are wired. Challenging our worldviews with facts can feel like an attack on our personal identities and can often result in hardening our positions. Researchers assess how we can open our minds and explore facts that may go against our personal worldviews.
Study examines why conspiracy theories and psychiatric disorders historically tend to peak during periods of social crisis and stress.
Conspiracy theories aren't just appealing because of the alternative "information" they provide, they also evoke emotional responses that can be detrimental.
People who believe conspiracies about COVD-19, including vitamins can cure coronavirus, or that governments are using the virus and vaccines to control the population, are more prone to developing depression and anxiety.
Study reveals those who score low in the personality trait of conscientiousness are more likely to share misinformation or fake news.
Researchers say those who create and spread conspiracy theories about COVID-19 are using the provisional nature of science to paint scientists as "malignant actors" and discredit findings.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.