Research suggests there are signs of people becoming addicted to conspiracy theories ...
gigazine.net
New research shows conspiracy theory communities rewire how members talk about everything — suggesting addiction-like cognitive capture that goes far deeper than just believing in lizard people.
Cognitive CaptureSocial Identity TheoryRadicalization TheoryBehavioral Addiction
Theory Briefing
- A study found that conspiracy theory community members use distinctive, insular language even in totally unrelated conversations.
- The linguistic shift mirrors addiction models — repeated exposure reshapes thought patterns until the worldview becomes the default lens.
- This 'cognitive capture' suggests conspiracy belief isn't just a bad opinion but a self-reinforcing identity that is hard to exit.