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

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 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. They found that people often start feeling let down by big institutions. Then, they find others who share their feelings. This leads to a strong sense of community and even activism. The study shows that joining these groups is a process. First, people feel disappointed. Then, they find others who think like them. Finally, they start taking action together. This is called "resonant awakenings. " It's like a wake-up call that builds into a shared belief and action.One person in the study said that the COVID-19 pandemic made her see things differently. She felt like she and her friends had a new understanding of the world. Another person talked about the support and excitement in these communities. They feel like they are part of something special. The researchers had to be careful. They had to build trust and respect. They also had to know when to change the subject if things got too intense. 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 study also shows that these communities can be both good and bad. They can provide support and a sense of belonging. But they can also lead people to lose touch with their families. The researchers say that to counter conspiracy theories, we need to understand their emotional and social appeal.