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conspiracy theories

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·October 1, 2015·4 min read

Conspiracy or Coincidence? Investigating Conspiracist Thinking

Contrary to previous studies, researchers report they have found no evidence of a link between conspiracist thinking and perceptions of order or intent.

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Featured Psychology

·November 1, 2021·2 min read

How Conspiracy Theorists Exploited COVID-19 Science

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.

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.

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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 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.

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Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·July 25, 2022·2 min read

Stress Increases Beliefs That Underlie Disorders and Conspiracy Theories

Study examines why conspiracy theories and psychiatric disorders historically tend to peak during periods of social crisis and stress.

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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

·February 2, 2018·3 min read

Belief in Conspiracy Theories Associated With Vaccine Skepticism

A new study reveals people who strongly believe in conspiracy theories are more likely to hold anti-vaccine attitudes.

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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.

Autism Featured Genetics Neuroscience Psychology

·August 25, 2018·5 min read

More Than 50% of People in Britain, France and Italy Still Think There May Be a Link Between ASD and Vaccines

According to researchers, over 50% of people in some European countries still believe the myth that vaccines cause autism, despite the claim being widely discredited. A new paper looks at why so many people may still believe the vaccine-autism link is real.

Featured Psychology

·May 30, 2018·4 min read

Predicting the Likelihood People Will Believe in Conspiracy Theories

Researchers report people with high levels of confidence in their understanding of public policy are more likely to endorse political conspiracies, especially if they lack accurate knowledge of policy.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·August 13, 2022·6 min read

Cognitive Biases and Brain Biology Help Explain Why Facts Don’t Change Minds

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.

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conspiracy theories

Conspiracy or Coincidence? Investigating Conspiracist Thinking

How Conspiracy Theorists Exploited COVID-19 Science

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

Paranoia Is Another Byproduct of the Pandemic

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

Stress Increases Beliefs That Underlie Disorders and Conspiracy Theories

Belief in Conspiracy Theories Associated With Vaccine Skepticism

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

More Than 50% of People in Britain, France and Italy Still Think There May Be a Link Between ASD and Vaccines

Depression and Urban Deprivation: Unseen Accelerators of Biological Aging

Neuroscience News Weekly Roundup – June 4, 2023

Targeted Therapy Vorasidenib Offers Hope for Deadly Brain Tumors

Hitching a Ride: mRNA’s Transport System in Brain Cells Revealed

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