Why Conspiracy Theories Seem so Appealing
Considering so many people believe in conspiracy theories, and not all of them are true, they must have some compelling characteristic that draws people in. According to the article "Conspiracy Theories and Their Truth Trajectories" (Pelkmans, Mathijs), the element of secrecy is one of their key components. They offer an exciting explanation for big events. This grabs people's attention and gets them interested. When situations become complicated, such as the current economic crisis, many conspiracies offer a simple explanation; blame the government. When life becomes difficult and confusing for a person, there is always a conspiracy to believe in that will blame someone for his or her situation. These reasons alone explain why so many people turn to conspiracy theories everyday. They are simple, allow for a way to release anger, and find someone else to blame.
The media also plays a large role in getting people interested and helping them believe. They frame the story and offer information that seems credible. Many people trust the news and whatever they hear, they believe. Instead of researching every claim that they hear, they just listen to the news or go online to get all of their information about a topic. Unfortunately, the media does not always show the truth, many programs will show anything that gets them better ratings. This is one reason that situations are framed a certain way and conspiracy theories are formed.
The article "Conspiracy Theories: Causes and Cures" (Sunstein, C. R.) offers another explanation about the persuasiveness of a conspiracy theory. Many societies are closed and do not have as many freedoms as America does. In these societies, secrets are much easier to keep, so the government could easily keep secrets from its citizens. In America, we have a much open society with many freedoms, such as the freedom of the press. Due to all of our freedoms, people are constantly researching government actions and it is much harder for the government to hide its actions. Problems can arise from this situation though. When a conspiracy theory is created about the government hiding secrets from its citizens, many people are astonished that they would get away with doing something like that. They turn to these theories because they are new information and they offer excitement. Also, with so many different news channels, newspapers, and websites, information can easily be altered different ways. One story can become ten and that is when conspiracy theories begin.
The media also plays a large role in getting people interested and helping them believe. They frame the story and offer information that seems credible. Many people trust the news and whatever they hear, they believe. Instead of researching every claim that they hear, they just listen to the news or go online to get all of their information about a topic. Unfortunately, the media does not always show the truth, many programs will show anything that gets them better ratings. This is one reason that situations are framed a certain way and conspiracy theories are formed.
The article "Conspiracy Theories: Causes and Cures" (Sunstein, C. R.) offers another explanation about the persuasiveness of a conspiracy theory. Many societies are closed and do not have as many freedoms as America does. In these societies, secrets are much easier to keep, so the government could easily keep secrets from its citizens. In America, we have a much open society with many freedoms, such as the freedom of the press. Due to all of our freedoms, people are constantly researching government actions and it is much harder for the government to hide its actions. Problems can arise from this situation though. When a conspiracy theory is created about the government hiding secrets from its citizens, many people are astonished that they would get away with doing something like that. They turn to these theories because they are new information and they offer excitement. Also, with so many different news channels, newspapers, and websites, information can easily be altered different ways. One story can become ten and that is when conspiracy theories begin.
How Theories Become Conspiracy Theories
All conspiracy theories begin like any other theory, but depending on how powerful the person making the claim is and how much evidence there is, some attain the label "conspiracy theory." If a claim has a high level of evidence it is labeled as a fact because it is easy to research and there is little room for doubt. Conspiracy theories are formed when the person making the claim has little recognition and power and there is little evidence associated with it.
While some conspiracy theories seem to be created out of nowhere, others have been craftily thought up and created intentionally. Rumors play a large role in the formation of these theories because when a devastating or bad event occurs, there is no way to stop the rumors from spreading. Events that are available and highly salient are also more likely to have conspiracy theories associated with them than events that are secluded and require more research.
While some conspiracy theories seem to be created out of nowhere, others have been craftily thought up and created intentionally. Rumors play a large role in the formation of these theories because when a devastating or bad event occurs, there is no way to stop the rumors from spreading. Events that are available and highly salient are also more likely to have conspiracy theories associated with them than events that are secluded and require more research.