Not social media but the mind: Study reveals the hidden psychology that makes conspiracy theories feel comforting and convincing

In an era where distrust of institutions has seeped into everyday conversations, conspiracy theories are no longer confined to fringe corners of the internet. From politics to public health, suspicion has become mainstream. A new psychological study suggests this growing phenomenon has less to do with social media algorithms and more to do with how certain people process uncertainty and injustice.

A mindset shaped by suspicion, not just screens

The research, published in the journal Applied Cognitive Psychology, was led by psychologist Adrian Furnham of the Norwegian Business School. Rather than focusing on what conspiracy believers think, the study set out to answer a deeper question: why some people are more drawn to conspiratorial explanations than others.

Drawing on a survey of 253 participants from the United States, United Kingdom, Canada and Australia, the researchers examined 14 psychological and demographic factors linked to conspiracy beliefs. A central focus was the idea of “cover-ups,” the belief that powerful institutions deliberately hide the truth and that any evidence against a conspiracy only proves how deep the deception runs.

The two traits that matter most

Contrary to popular assumptions, education level, age and intelligence were not the strongest predictors of conspiracy thinking. The study found that the most powerful factor was a low tolerance for ambiguity.

People who struggle with uncertainty tend to feel uneasy with complex or incomplete explanations. According to the researchers, conspiracy theories offer psychological comfort by replacing randomness with intention. They turn chaotic events into simple narratives with clear villains, removing the discomfort of not knowing.

The second major predictor was a strong belief that the world is fundamentally unjust. For individuals who see society as unfair or rigged, conspiracy theories provide a moral explanation for why bad things happen. Blaming a hidden group can feel more satisfying than accepting that life is often unpredictable and unequal.

Who is most likely to believe

The study found these traits were especially pronounced among younger men, particularly those with strong religious beliefs and right-wing political views. Researchers also noted an authoritarian tendency among conspiracy believers, characterised by rigid thinking and discomfort with nuance.

Interestingly, the study revealed that conspiracy theories are not interchangeable. A person might passionately believe one theory while dismissing another as absurd. This suggests that different conspiracies fulfil different emotional needs rather than forming a single belief system.

Why facts often fail to change minds

The research helps explain why confronting conspiracy theories with facts alone often proves ineffective. According to the study’s abstract, conspiratorial thinking is closely tied to a need for certainty in an uncertain world. When beliefs serve as emotional coping mechanisms, contradictory evidence can feel threatening rather than corrective.

The authors note that conspiracy beliefs are less about logic and more about managing anxiety, injustice and a loss of control. As long as these underlying psychological pressures remain, new conspiracies are likely to replace old ones.

The study, titled Conspiracy Theory Mentality, Injustice and Tolerance of Ambiguity, concludes that reducing conspiratorial thinking requires more than debunking false claims. Helping people become more comfortable with uncertainty and addressing perceptions of systemic injustice may be more effective long-term strategies.

As misinformation continues to shape public discourse, the findings offer a sobering insight. Conspiracy theories may not disappear simply by correcting the record. They persist because, for some, they make the world feel less frightening and more understandable.