Daniel Jolley writes:
Princess Diana was murdered by the Royal Family. The U.S. government orchestrated the 9/11 terrorist attacks. Pharmaceutical companies cover up evidence of harmful side effects of vaccines. Each statement is a ‘conspiracy theory’; defined as a proposed plot by powerful people or organizations working together in secret to accomplish some (usually sinister) goal (e.g., Wood, Douglas & Sutton, 2012). Current psychological research is exploring the reasons behind why people endorse conspiracy theories, and investigating the impact such theories can have on individuals, and society. One question that presents itself is: is the impact of conspiracy theories recognised in current UK public policy? Using anti-vaccine conspiracy theories as a specific case study, this will be explored.
Who is pulling the strings? Who is behind the coverup? Who holds the real power, and what do they want? How deep does the conspiracy to control your mind go?
In this episode we discuss the history, social impact, neuroscience and psychology behind conspiracy theories and paranoid thinking.
Listen as they explain why we love conspiracy theories, how they flourish, how they harm, and what they say about a culture.
