So, our conspiracy theory minded trolls exhibit in their posts a combination of fear, feelings of powerlessness, isolation and vulnerability, a need for control, a need to feel smarter or superior to others and personal agendas from which they see benefits.
Lotta f'ing mental baggage for sure.
“If there’s no pathology or issue there, often if [these beliefs] come on suddenly, it will be fear-based – people don’t like being in situations where they feel powerless and when it feels random, and, for example, Covid felt very random at the start.
“We like it when we have a reasonable explanation for something … so it’s often based on control.”
Dr Cullen said another factor could be feelings of isolation and vulnerability.
“Sometimes, people just want to be part of a group of like-minded people, and then all you need is two conspiracy theorists together to run rampant with it,” she said.
“It’s about that sense of connection and belonging.”
Other conspiracy theorists are attracted to their beliefs out of a need to feel smarter or superior to others.
“They want to be the enlightened, insightful ones … and even in the face of contradictory evidence, it becomes a point of pride – they don’t want to admit they were wrong, because it’s embarrassing.”
Finally, Dr Cullen said some conspiracy theorists were lured in by their own personal agendas.
“For example, if someone doesn’t want to wear a mask, then they might dispute the reasons for them, such as disputing Covid,” she said. “Sometimes, people voice conspiracy theories because it means they will benefit in some way.”
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