Why people believe in conspiracy theories

Social pressure

Status in a group is often much more important to us than being right. Therefore, we constantly compare our actions and beliefs with those of others and change them so as not to stand out.

You've probably noticed that as soon as a few people stop near one seller in the market, a crowd immediately forms next to them. The same principle applies to ideas. …

If many people believe in some information, we will consider it reliable.

And social proof is just one of the logical fallacies that make us ignore evidence. It is also associated with a tendency to confirm their own opinions. We always strive to find data that supports our views and dismiss information that refutes them. Think, for example, of the last time you watched a talk show. Which arguments seemed more convincing to you: contradicting your opinion or supporting it?

This thinking error also manifests itself in a tendency to select information from sources that are consistent with our beliefs. Therefore, for example, our political views determine which newspapers and news sites we read.

Of course, there is a belief system that recognizes logical errors and tries to eliminate them - science. Through experimentation and observation, scientists get facts from isolated odd cases, get rid of the tendency to confirm their point of view and recognize that theories can be corrected with the emergence of new evidence.

Reverse effect

Do not try to debunk conspiracy theories and other myths by contrasting them with reality. This has the opposite effect.: the myth is remembered better than the fact that refutes it.

Moreover, by communicating new information to people with firmly established opinions, we only strengthen their views. … New evidence is causing worldview inconsistencies and emotional discomfort. Instead of changing their point of view, people usually resort to self-justification and begin to feel even more dislike for the opposite opinion. This phenomenon, called the “boomerang effect,” makes it much more difficult to dissuade someone from delusion.

How to convince someone of the failure of his theory

Of course, facts are very important. But by appealing only to them, it is not always possible to convince someone. But knowing the typical mistakes of thinking, you can influence the interlocutor.

Keep in mind that we are more likely to listen to those we consider to be part of our group. Therefore, before convincing your opponent, try to find something in common with him.
Don't mention myths and misconceptions in your speech. Go straight to the basics, for example: “Flu shots are safe and reduce Vaccine Effectiveness - How Well Does the Flu Vaccine Work? the chance of getting sick is 50-60%”. That's it, don't add anything else.
Do not challenge your opponent's point of view, so he will immediately get angry. Instead, offer an explanation that echoes his pre-existing views. For example, conservatives who deny climate change are more likely to change their minds. when you mention environmental business opportunities in the conversation.
People are more convinced by stories. than disputes or descriptions. Stories bring cause and effect together and help to convincingly show the conclusions that you want to convey to the interlocutor.

It is also very important to improve scientific literacy. This is not knowledge of scientific facts and formulas, but the ability to navigate scientific methods, analytical thinking. Most of us will never become scientists, but we are faced with science on a daily basis, and the ability to critically evaluate scientific statements is essential for all of us Critical Science Literacy. …