Talk:Motivation and emotion/Book/2023/Conspiracy theory motivation

News article
https://www.theguardian.com/society/2023/oct/04/escape-from-the-rabbit-hole-the-conspiracy-theorist-who-abandoned-his-dangerous-beliefs

-- Jtneill - Talk - c 10:08, 4 October 2023 (UTC)

Initial suggestions
Thanks for taking on this topic.

Note that there was a previous, but inadequate attempt at this topic in 2022. I encourage you to check it out as well as the feedback here: Talk:Motivation and emotion/Book/2022/Conspiracy theory motivation as you plan out this chapter.

There was also an inadequate attempt in 2020, so check out that attempt and the feedback too: Talk:Motivation and emotion/Book/2020/Conspiracy theory motivation.

Let me know if I can do anything else to assist. Sincerely, James -- Jtneill - Talk - c 06:26, 31 July 2023 (UTC)

You mentioned that conspiracies often have alternative explanations for events attributed to covert actions by powerful entities. Perhaps you could discuss how the “powerful entities” theory is often a racist one, whereby they are often perceived to be certain minority groups. For example, conspiracies often have theories about a “Jewish cabal”, thereby being antisemitic/racist.--MT200107 (discuss • contribs) 03:19, 18 August 2023 (UTC)


 * Thanks for the tip :) 58.84.136.171 (discuss) 04:18, 13 September 2023 (UTC)

Peer Comments
Hello, I find this topic really fascinating, I love to see the emphasis placed on all the cognitive elements of conspiracy theory belief. Further to the point of echo-chambers in confirming peoples' pre-existing beliefs, I found this TED talk from the perspective of a man who used to believe in the conspiracy that birds were full of surveillance equipment fascinating, as he exposes the cognitive dissonance and confirmation bias discussed https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3VEkzweBJPM

Hi Vanessa, not really a suggestion more an encouragement. I had a read of your overview and your chapter is sounding very interesting! I didn't know about the chemtrails theory! I am looking forward to coming back over the next few weeks to learn more! - Rachael. --U3218323 (discuss • contribs) 09:20, 16 August 2023 (UTC)


 * Thanks, hopefully you continue to enjoy the content :) 58.84.136.171 (discuss) 04:15, 13 September 2023 (UTC)

Hi Vanessa, it looks like your book chapter is off to a great start. If you are looking for external resources, there is a podcast episode by the American Psychological Association called “why people believe in conspiracy theories”. I have linked it below in case you want to check it out. https://www.apa.org/news/podcasts/speaking-of-psychology/conspiracy-theories All the best with the rest of your chapter! --U3230003 (discuss • contribs) 22:18, 18 August 2023 (UTC)


 * Thanks, I will definitely take a look! 58.84.136.171 (discuss) 04:15, 13 September 2023 (UTC)

Hi there, Your overview section is really engaging. I was immediately drawn to the case study and this also kept me reading. It does sound like a really interesting topic. I find flat-Earth conspiracies amusing but interesting at the same time, so here's link to an article from the Conversation. It is hard to argue about beliefs but Adam Grant does shed some light on it in his book 'Think Again'. He also mentions cognitive dissonance as a concept relevant to conspiracy theorists and how their beliefs get stronger.

All the best. --JasnaM (discuss • contribs) 12:42, 23 August 2023 (UTC)


 * Thanks Jasna, I'll check out the article. I too find everything to do with this topic fascinating. 58.84.136.171 (discuss) 04:17, 13 September 2023 (UTC)

-- Jtneill - Talk - c 01:21, 20 September 2023 (UTC)

-- Jtneill - Talk - c 10:11, 30 October 2023 (UTC)

-- Jtneill - Talk - c 08:08, 8 November 2023 (UTC)