Conspiracy theories - The New Indian Express
newindianexpress.com
Conspiracy theories aren't just fringe noise — they're a predictable psychological response to uncertainty, and social media has turbocharged the engine that spreads them.
Epistemic Anxiety TheorySocial Identity TheoryFilter BubbleMotivated Reasoning
Theory Briefing
- Conspiracy theories flourish by filling a deep human need for certainty and a sense of belonging in confusing times.
- Social media algorithms amplify fringe narratives far beyond their origin, turning niche suspicions into mainstream beliefs.
- Understanding the psychological roots of conspiratorial thinking — not just debunking content — is key to countering its spread.