The Role of Spite in Conspiracy Beliefs
Research suggests that conspiracy beliefs can be driven by spite, serving as a way for people who feel disadvantaged to challenge those in power. Spiteful psychological motives emerge when individuals feel competitive disadvantage, leading them to reject expert opinions and scientific consensus. This behavior harms both the person being spiteful and their target, but changes the competitive balance between them. The research challenges the view of conspiracy theorists as simply misinformed, indicating that some may be responding to perceived disadvantages in ways that make psychological sense to them.
Key Points
- Spite can be a significant predictor of conspiracy beliefs
- Feeling disadvantaged or threatened can lead individuals to reject scientific consensus and expert opinions
- Addressing underlying feelings of disadvantage is crucial in tackling conspiracy beliefs
Pros
- Sheds light on the psychological drivers behind conspiracy beliefs
- Provides a new perspective on how feelings of disadvantage can lead to the rejection of expert opinions
Cons
- Some may view the findings as controversial or challenging to accept