Shadowland and the Psychology of Conspiracy Theory Belief

Key Takeaways

• Shadowland is a new docuseries investigating the lives of those who believe in right-wing conspiracy theories.
• One of the major questions the series poses is, why do so many people fall prey to such irrational thinking?
• Having a better understanding of—and empathy for—these people can get us a little closer to the root of what makes conspiracy theories so enticing.

The Psychology of Conspiracy Theory Belief

The six-part docuseries Shadowland, streaming on Peacock, delves into the lives and circumstances of people who believe in right-wing conspiracy theories, such as QAnon, that the 2020 election was stolen, and that the coronavirus or its vaccines were conceived by a powerful cabal for sinister purposes.

Many of the individuals profiled in the series are leaders or influencers profiting from their involvement in conspiracy theories. While motivated by recognition, influence, and economic advantages, millions of Americans believe in conspiracy theories who are not seeking those things.

This article explores the psychology of these individuals, including: - What makes people vulnerable to belief in conspiracy theories? - What the mental health consequences of those beliefs can be? - What people whose loved ones have adopted conspiratorial thinking can do to help?

Are People Who Believe in Conspiracy Theories Delusional?

Many people who believe in conspiracy theories would not be diagnosed as clinically delusional. Their thinking doesn't disrupt their daily lives.

37% (121.7 million people) of the American population believe global warming is a hoax, and 4% (13 million people) believe that lizard people control politics.

Who's Vulnerable to Conspiratorial Beliefs?

Anyone could fall into conspiratorial thinking. Different people believe in conspiracy theories for different reasons.

Situational Factors: - Fear and anxiety - Disenfranchisement due to job loss, the pandemic, or class divides

Personality Traits: - Paranoid personality traits - Schizotypal personality traits - Narcissistic personality traits - Machiavellianism

Conspiracy theories are more visible and easier to be exposed to than ever before because of the internet and social media.

Amplification by Social Media

Conspiracy theories like QAnon may seem unusual but have always existed. However, social media and political rhetoric expose people to conspiracy theories, validating belief by introducing them to others who believe.

• Confirmation bias: people find evidence to back up their existing beliefs.

Are There Mental Health Consequences to Believing in Conspiracy Theories?

Both positive and negative mental health consequences are associated with belief in conspiracy theories.

Positive Consequences: - Sense of community - Feeling empowered and in control - Excitement of feeling in the know - Sense of meaning and identity

Negative Consequences: - Loss of or isolation from family - Feeling isolated, disenfranchised, and disempowered

Can Loved Ones Help People Who Believe in Conspiracy Theories?

• Agree to disagree and avoid talking about certain topics
• Practice empathy
• Meet people where they are and try to understand their perspective
• Understand the underlying need that the conspiracy theory fulfills (e.g., community, purpose)