{
  "id": 13326500,
  "title": "What makes a conspiracy theorist?",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/10/what-makes-a-conspiracy-theorist",
  "topic": "science",
  "section": "Science",
  "published": "2026-10-10T04:09:07.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Al Majalla English",
    "slug": "al-majalla-english",
    "url": "https://en.majalla.com/node/333495/science-technology/what-makes-conspiracy-theorist"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "What drives individuals to believe in conspiracy theories? On November 22, 1963, President John F. Kennedy was assassinated in Dallas, sparking numerous conspiracy theories that persist to this day. These theories, which often involve hidden plots and secret agendas, are fueled by a combination of psychological factors and human motivations.\n\nPsychological research has identified several key drivers of conspiracy beliefs. One such factor is the need for understanding and control. When confronted with a perplexing event, such as a sudden death of a prominent figure, people instinctively seek answers and explanations. Conspiracy theories provide a sense of clarity and purpose, offering a narrative that attempts to make sense of the chaos.\n\nAnother motivation is the desire for safety and control. Conspiracy theories often serve as a means of feeling empowered and in command of one's environment. By attributing events to a single, identifiable culprit, individuals may feel a sense of security, believing they can anticipate and possibly prevent future occurrences. This cognitive need for control can lead people to latch onto conspiracy theories as a way to restore their sense of order and predictability.\n\nSocial factors also play a role in the development of conspiracy beliefs. Individuals may turn to conspiracy theories as a means of connecting with like-minded people and validating their own worldview. Belonging to a community that shares similar beliefs can provide a sense of belonging and support, reinforcing the notion that one's perspective is shared by others.\n\nEvolutionary psychology offers another perspective on the origins of conspiracy thinking. Some researchers argue that our ancestors evolved a heightened sensitivity to detect intentional agents behind events. This ability, which helped early humans identify predators and allies, can also lead to the misinterpretation of coincidences and mistaken patterns as deliberate plots. In modern times, this evolutionary trait may contribute to the persistence of conspiracy theories in a complex and often unpredictable world.\n\nIn conclusion, the belief in conspiracy theories is a multifaceted phenomenon driven by a combination of psychological, social, and evolutionary factors. Uncertainty, the need for control, social connections, and evolutionary predispositions all contribute to the allure of conspiracies, shaping the way individuals perceive and interpret events.",
  "summary": "What makes a conspiracy theorist? newspress_en Sat, 10/10/2026 - 05:09 Science & Technology On the afternoon of 22 November 1963, US President John F. Kennedy was travelling through Dealey Plaza in Dallas in an open car when gunshots rang out, fatally wounding him. Authorities then arrested Lee Harvey Oswald and accused him of murdering the president, a charge he denied. Two days later, Oswald…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}