Two studies conducted in Canada found that subliminally priming memories of a frustrated need for autonomy increases the likelihood that people will endorse a bogus conspiracy theory, be angered by it, and express willingness to disseminate it. The research was…[Continue Reading...]
It all starts in front of a screen, in the most innocent way possible. Accepting a friend request on Facebook. Following an influencer. Signing up for a study skills course about investing in cryptocurrencies. Entering a Roblox minigame. These are…[Continue Reading...]
FUNDAMENTALIST religious views are more likely to lead people into supporting violent extremism, researchers have found. A study led by the University of St Andrews has identified two different motivations as driving a tendency towards violent extremism: a defensive motive,…[Continue Reading...]
The way people process information can be a strong predictor of whether they may be drawn to conspiracy theories, according to new research. Conspiracy theories often provide a clear, ordered version of events which make sense of a chaotic world,…[Continue Reading...]
People who prefer structured, rule-based explanations may find conspiracy theories appealing because they offer a clear, ordered explanation for events that feel chaotic. New research led by Flinders University has found that understanding how someone processes information can be a…[Continue Reading...]
Since mindfulness is something you can practice at home for free, it often sounds like the perfect tonic for stress and mental health issues. Mindfulness is a type of Buddhist-based meditation in which you focus on being aware of what…[Continue Reading...]
A prominent explanation for this is that conspiracy beliefs serve underlying psychological needs. These include providing answers when things are unclear or uncertain, providing a sense of control by identifying a powerful group to take action against, and for social…[Continue Reading...]
A new comprehensive analysis suggests that while conspiracy beliefs are deeply entrenched, they are not entirely resistant to change. The findings indicate that specific intervention strategies, particularly those involving direct fact-checking and alternative explanations, can achieve modest reductions in these…[Continue Reading...]
We tend to associate “brainwashing” with cults and hostages, but author and science historian Rebecca Lemov says it can happen to anyone. Her new book “The Instability of Truth" explores the history and science of brainwashing and what it can…[Continue Reading...]
New research published in the journal Applied Cognitive Psychology identifies specific psychological traits associated with a tendency to believe in conspiracy theories. The findings suggest that individuals who perceive the world as fundamentally unjust and those who struggle with uncertain…[Continue Reading...]
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