Conspiracy theories appear to erode public faith in meritocracy
New research reveals that believing in conspiracy theories directly reduces people's faith in societal fairness, eroding the perception that resources are distributed based on merit, equality, or need.
Conspiracy theories appear to weaken people's belief in a fair society that rewards talent and hard work, according to new research published in Political Psychology. The study found that exposure to conspiratorial narratives directly reduces the perception that resources are distributed based on merit, equality, or need. This has significant implications for how individuals view the fundamental rules of social and economic life, as meritocracy—the idea that society rewards talent and hard work—is a cornerstone of distributive justice.
People who believe in conspiracy theories are less likely to trust that hard work leads to success, and this skepticism extends to the fairness of economic structures, leading to greater distrust of institutions and potentially contributing to social instability.
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