Why People Join Conspiracy Groups: It's Not What You Think

It's Not About Being Foolish, but Finding Support

People don't join conspiracy groups because they are stupid or easily fooled. It's more about finding a sense of belonging and support.

A Five-Year Study Reveals the Process

A recent study followed people as they got more involved in these groups. Researchers spent five years talking to members, joining online chats, and going to meetings.

The Three-Stage Process

1. Disappointment: People often start feeling let down by big institutions.
2. Finding Like-Minded Individuals: They find others who share their feelings.
3. Activism: This leads to a strong sense of community and even activism.

Resonant Awakenings

This process is called "resonant awakenings." It's like a wake-up call that builds into a shared belief and action.

Personal Stories

• One Participant: The COVID-19 pandemic made her see things differently. She felt like she and her friends had a new understanding of the world.
• Another Participant: Talked about the support and excitement in these communities. They feel like they are part of something special.

Researchers' Challenges

The researchers had to be careful. They had to:

• Build trust and respect.
• Know when to change the subject if things got too intense.

Understanding the Appeal

The study shows that dismissing conspiracy believers as crazy or irrational only makes them feel more connected to their groups. It's important to understand why they believe what they do.

The Dual Nature of These Communities

These communities can be both good and bad:

• Good: Provide support and a sense of belonging.
• Bad: Can lead people to lose touch with their families.

Countering Conspiracy Theories

The researchers say that to counter conspiracy theories, we need to understand their emotional and social appeal.