Although nothing new, the tendency to subscribe to conspiracy theories—the belief that sinister and powerful actors cause specific events or situations—has risen in recent years. Often based on distrust of government or those in authority, conspiracy theories spread like wildfire through the internet, especially on social media, where fact-checking and accountability are scarce.
A conspiracy theory may allow the believer to feel a sense of control. This comforting sensation can lead to a non-substance related behavioral addiction, prompting the believer to seek out more far-fetched theories to obtain further emotional relief. Although physical harm doesn’t typically arise from the addiction, the addict may suffer from its ill effects psychologically and socially.
In this article, we examine the definition, causes, and symptoms of conspiracy theory addiction. If you are worried someone close to you suffers from a harmful conspiracy theory addiction, we cover possible treatments and intervention ideas at the end.
Conspiracy Theory Addiction: Definitions, Symptoms, & Side Effects
To fully understand conspiracy theory addiction and determine whether it’s a problem for someone you know, we must first define the concept. By looking at the symptoms and side effects, you can better understand the full extent of their condition.
What Is Conspiracy Theory Addiction?
Although conspiracy theory addiction isn’t a condition officially recognized by the American Psychological Association (APA), it can be classified as a non-substance behavioral addiction. These conditions are widely recognized among leading psychiatric institutions, both here in America and throughout the world.
A non-substance behavioral addiction occurs when a person begins to crave or become dependent on a specific behavior. Other common examples include gambling, video games, sex, pornography, or the internet.
Unlike substance addictions, behavioral addictions don’t entail physiological dependence or withdrawal symptoms. Nonetheless, they can still result in severe psychological or social consequences, which can negatively impact the addict’s overall well-being. The belief in one or more conspiracy theories doesn’t necessarily constitute an addiction, however. In fact, it’s surprisingly common. The American Journal of Political Science found around 50% of Americans “believe in at least one disproven conspiracy theory.”
However, the issue can become a behavioral addiction when a person believes in multiple, far-fetched conspiracies. Furthermore, the addiction can become problematic when those beliefs have a notable negative impact on their life.
What Is a Conspiracy Theory?
A conspiracy theory can broadly be defined as the belief that a sinister and powerful person or organization is responsible for a specific situation or event, even if there is a more plausible explanation.
In 2013, American writer and journalist Jesse Walker defined five main conspiracy theory types:
- Enemy Outside: Sinister figures are plotting against the community from the outside—i.e., aliens are working to overtake the world.
- Enemy Within: Shadowy actors, who are indistinguishable from everyday citizens, are plotting against a community from within—i.e., the reptilian government theory.
- Enemy Above: Powerful people are manipulating the working class for their own private gain—i.e., the Illuminati.
- Enemy Below: The lower classes are conspiring to overturn the existing societal hierarchy—i.e., communist or socialist conspiracies.
- Benevolent Conspiracies: Supernatural forces are operating undercover to hinder or help society—i.e., the QAnon belief in pedophiles from other dimensions.
American academic Michael Barkun views conspiracy theories somewhat differently. He suggests three distinct definitions:
- Event Conspiracy Theories: Beliefs that provide an alternative explanation for a specific event—i.e., 9/11, the Sandy Hook massacre, or the JFK assassination.
- Systemic Conspiracy Theories: The belief an inherently evil organization is plotting to infiltrate and alter existing societal structures—i.e., Freemasons or the Illuminati.
- Super Conspiracy Theories: An influential person links multiple conspiracy theories together and pins the blame on a singular, evil force—i.e., Milton William Cooper and David Icke.
Common Conspiracy Theories
Some of the most prevalent conspiracy theories circulating through America today include:
- The American Government is conducting experimental research on aliens in Area 51.
- Donald Trump is fighting against a cabal of satanic pedophiles (QAnon).
- The High-Frequency Active Auroral Research Program (HAARP) in Alaska is a secret mind-control lab.
- A shadowy group of elites known as the Illuminati is plotting to take over the world via a New World Order.
- The mythical creature known as bigfoot roams the woods in Washington State.
- The American government knows when the Yellowstone supervolcano is due to erupt.
- Water condensation trails from aircraft contain chemical agents (chemtrails).
- American investor George Soros controls a vast portion of the world’s wealth and secretly funds nefarious projects, including Antifa.
- The Freemasons control national governments and economies around the world.
- The American Government was responsible for the 9/11 attack, using controlled demolitions to destroy the Twin Towers.
- The Sandy Hook massacre was an orchestrated “false flag “attack intended to promote gun control.
- Bill and Hillary Clinton have collectively assassinated more than 50 of their associates.
- President Barack Obama was not born in the United States.
- 5G cell phone towers are responsible for the spread of COVID-19.
- Vaccines cause autism and entail various other severe physiological reactions.
- The earth is flat, and governments around the globe conspire to conceal the truth.
The above list is far from exhaustive—many more conspiracy theories circulate throughout America, and others are emerging each day. If someone you know believes several of these theories are true, they may be suffering from a conspiracy theory addiction.
Although particularly prevalent in America, conspiracy theories circulate around the world. In rural Africa, for example, some remote tribes believe the western world and regional social elites use sorcery and witchcraft to control their communities. In China, some people believe the Rothschild family is responsible for several critical world events, including the reign of Hitler, climate change, and the 1997 Asian Financial Crisis.
Why Are Conspiracy Theories Addictive?
Conspiracy theorists achieve a sense of euphoria by identifying themselves as part of a select group who understands the “true reasons” behind a situation or event better than everyone else. The addict may experience increased self-esteem, as they believe they’re wiser than the general public.
Belief in conspiracy theories can also provide a sense of calm and control during a traumatic situation. For example, in the years after 9/11, when great political uncertainty gripped America, addicts could alleviate their anxiety by propagating various conspiracies online.
Conspiracy theorists can obtain an even greater sense of self-worth by convincing others of their beliefs. By spreading misinformation and sharing viral memes through social media, the addict may recruit others into their group. This accomplishment helps justify the addictive behavior and further strengthens their world views.
Confirmation bias can help explain how some people become so deeply entrenched in—and ultimately addicted to—conspiracy theories. The term refers to the brain’s natural tendency to seek out, prioritize, and remember information that aligns with pre-existing beliefs. An addict will specifically source information from conspiracy theory websites while ignoring contrary information from other sources.
Although everyone is susceptible to confirmation bias to some degree, a conspiracy theory addict is especially prone to the phenomenon.
What Are the Causes of Conspiracy Theory Addiction?
Some people may have certain personality traits that make them more susceptible to “cognitive bias.” The term refers to an error in how a person processes or interprets information, which affects their judgment and decision-making capabilities. Cognitive bias can arise when the brain attempts to simplify information, causing it to reach incorrect or far-fetched conclusions.
Researchers believe the personality traits that affect cognitive bias include low self-esteem, the desire to be in control, the need to belong to a group, and the desire to understand an issue.
Although cognitive bias can be an innate personality trait, it can also manifest from personal circumstances and poor emotional well-being. Extreme feelings of loneliness, sadness, or a lack of control can promote cognitive bias, reducing the ability to process information analytically.
Some psychologists believe people with an authoritarian outlook may have a stronger tendency to believe in conspiracy theories. Their beliefs offer a greater sense of control over external events, which would otherwise leave them feeling powerless.
Other external factors that may advance cognitive bias include neglect, poor social skills, pre-existing beliefs, poverty, mental illness, and isolation. To compensate for these issues and regain a sense of control, the addict may seek out like-minded conspiracy theorists and spread misinformation.
Conspiracy theorists aren’t necessarily influenced by politics or ideology. Conspiracy theory addiction is a bipartisan problem that affects both sides of the political spectrum, with most addicts mistrustful of the government as a whole rather than one specific party. Some exceptions exist, most notably the emergence of the right-wing QAnon movement.
Many psychiatric researchers also believe “cognitive closure” is a major driving factor behind the prevalence of conspiracy theories today. The term refers to our natural tendency to eliminate ambiguity by hastily arriving at a conclusion. The human brain struggles to come to terms with uncertainty, thus may attempt to formulate an erroneous explanation, however outlandish it may be.
Research suggests misinformation receives more shares and engagements on social media than factual information. As a result, an increasingly large audience is being exposed to conspiracy theories each day, making social media a breeding ground for misinformation.
Statistical Overview
Conspiracy theories are widely held among the American public. According to the APA, around 50% of Americans believe in at least one debunked conspiracy theory.
A 2019 survey from Statista breaks down the data into specific theories.
- 47% believe Lee Harvey Oswald didn’t act alone.
- 30% believe Google discriminates against conservatives.
- 27% believe the government is covering up aliens in Area 51.
- 23% believe 9/11 was an inside job.
- 21% believe the Illuminati control the world.
- 19% believe the government uses chemtrails to control its citizens.
Although the stats are alarming, it’s important to note not all these people suffer from a conspiracy theory addiction. Some may only believe in one theory, and others may hold beliefs that don’t negatively impact their lives.
History of Conspiracy Theory Addiction
Conspiracy theories aren’t a new phenomenon in America. As far back as the 1790s, a congregational minister in Massachusetts claimed, without evidence, that the Bavarian Illuminati was attempting “to root out and abolish Christianity, and overturn all civil government.”
Outside America, conspiracy theories stretch back even further. One of the earliest known examples dates to ancient Rome, in the year 331 BCE. A group of upper-class women was convicted of preparing and distributing poison among the population, who were dying en-masse. Historians later concluded an epidemic was the actual cause.
However, conspiracy theories didn’t begin to reach the mainstream until the advent of mass media in the 20th century. At first, they were shared through gossip magazines and tabloids, then later through TV and radio. Nowadays, the internet is a breeding ground for conspiracy theories, with entire media organizations dedicated to spreading falsehoods.
It’s important to note that, on occasion, conspiracy theories do turn out to be true. One well-known example is MK ULTRA, a theory stating that the CIA experimented with using LSD as a form of mind control, sometimes on unsuspecting participants. The agency later admitted the experiment did take place.
Another prominent example is the theory that the National Security Agency and other government authorities collect large amounts of data on both US and foreign citizens. Whistleblower and former NSA employee Edward Snowden famously leaked information to confirm the practice in 2013.
These events promote distrust in authority among the general public, which conspiracy theorists use to justify believing in other, more outlandish theories.
Side Effects & Negative Consequences
While conspiracy theory addicts may share misinformation in an attempt to feel in control and alleviate anxiety, the practice can ultimately result in a range of negative consequences.
Conspiracy theories promote distrust towards the government, which sees the addict become increasingly alienated from society. This sense of isolation may impact the addict’s career and personal relationships and create roadblocks when dealing with government entities.
Furthermore, the addict may experience an array of negative emotions, especially when removed from their conspiracy theorists peers.
- Fear and anxiety
- A lack of control
- The need to understand complex topics
- Low self-esteem
- A feeling of isolation
- A sense of dissatisfaction with society
- Disengagement from social groups or work
When these side effects have a severe negative impact on a person’s overall well-being, they may be suffering from a non-substance behavioral addiction. As a well-documented psychological condition, non-substance addictive behavior has been shown to be associated with an array of negative emotions, including:
- Stress
- Alcoholism
- Trauma
- Substance abuse
- Suicidal tendencies
- Mood swings
Conspiracy Theory Addiction: Warning Signs & Treatment
If you believe someone you care about is suffering from a conspiracy theory addiction, it’s worth obtaining an in-depth understanding of the warning signs and available treatments.
Warning Signs
While the belief in one or two conspiracies might not constitute an addiction, the incessant desire to subscribe to increasingly outlandish theories could prove problematic. Keep an eye out for the following symptoms.
- Distrust of government.
- Disengagement from society.
- Dismissal of mainstream news sources.
- Disenfranchisement with societal norms.
- Frequent sharing of misinformation on social media.
- Obtaining information from unreliable sources.
- Persistent desire to understand complex ideas.
- Isolation from work or social groups.
Withdrawal Symptoms
Unlike substance addiction, conspiracy theory addiction doesn’t entail any physiological withdrawal symptoms.
While psychological side effects may be present during the addiction, they don’t tend to persist after the addict has stopped following their beliefs. In most situations, a recovered addict will change their beliefs without experiencing substantial psychological or emotional harm.
Treatment Options
Although the addict won’t experience withdrawal upon abandoning their beliefs, it can be challenging to convince them to do so. After all, the addict has likely been firmly holding onto their beliefs for some time, and both cognitive and confirmation bias will be working in unison to dissuade them from changing their mind.
Nonetheless, helping a loved one overcome a conspiracy theory addiction isn’t impossible. There are two key methods you can adopt.
Personal Intervention
The first option is to personally intervene by convincing the addict to re-examine their beliefs logically and analytically.
However, you must tread carefully when taking this approach. Ridiculing or judging the addict is only going to further isolate them and reinforce their beliefs. Furthermore, some conspiracy theorists think non-believers are actively engaged in covering up the truth.
Unfortunately, rational arguments aren’t effective at changing people’s beliefs, no matter how convincing they may seem to you. Presenting irrefutable facts to combat misinformation can result in a phenomenon known as the “backfire effect,” where the conspiracy ends up becoming more memorable and believable than the truth.
Furthermore, evidence can strengthen the addict’s views due to the associated emotional discomfort. Instead of changing their beliefs, the addict may resort to self-justification and take on an even more negative opinion of opposing views. This phenomenon is known as the “boomerang effect” and is a significant hurdle when reasoning with conspiracy theory addicts.
Rather than preaching your perspective, it’s wise to become part of their tribe by finding some common ground. Argue the indisputable facts of your case (for example, research has found vaccines to be safe and effective) without mentioning misinformation (vaccines cause autism) to avoid the “backfire effect.”
Another helpful strategy is to make assertions that align with their pre-existing beliefs. For example, if making a case for climate change with a fiscally conservative conspiracy theorist, you could mention some of the key business opportunities associated with a carbon-free future.
Finally, you could try using stories and anecdotes to disprove their theory. People tend to understand narratives better than facts or figures, so regaling them with a relevant story could prove helpful when arguing your case.
If you do plan to go down the personal intervention path, keep the following pointers in mind:
- Speak respectfully: Empathy and compassion are essential.
- Speak in private: Engaging one-on-one, whether face-to-face or through a direct message, will avoid unwanted public embarrassment.
- Find common ground: Most conspiracy theories have a kernel of truth to them. Acknowledge this truth to build rapport before presenting facts or stories
- Consider the risk: Confronting a conspiracy theorist may cause irreparable damage to a relationship. If the person is particularly close to you, it may not be worth the risk.
- Know when to back down: If the conversation becomes heated or personal, back off before either party says something they may regret.
Counseling
Personal intervention is challenging, as most of us don’t have the persuasive capabilities to influence another’s world views. Therefore, counseling from a professional psychiatrist may help.
Psychiatrists can use various techniques, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), to help a conspiracy theory addict change their world views. In some cases, they may even prescribe medicine, such as anti-anxiety medication, to treat the underlying causes of conspiracy theory addiction.
Of course, the hard part will be to convince the addict to seek psychiatric help. Addicts believe their world views are true and correct; therefore, there’s no reason to enlist psychiatric assistance.
Conspiracy Theory Addiction: Final Thoughts
Conspiracy theory addiction is a prevalent problem in America, which appears to be increasing as misinformation propagates through social media.
With side effects including anxiety, distrust, isolation, and social or work impairment, it’s a serious condition that can have severe consequences.
While difficult to diffuse, you may be able to discourage a loved one from indulging in a conspiracy theory addiction through personal intervention. Otherwise, it’s worth considering counseling as a final resort.
Medical Disclaimer
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