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Why do people believe in conspiracy theories?

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President John F. Kennedy and Jacqueline Kennedy seated in a black convertible during a motorcade, with police escorts and onlookers lining the street. — conspiracy theory U.S. Pres. John F. Kennedy and first lady Jacqueline Kennedy minutes before the president was assassinated in Dallas, November 22, 1963.

People believe in conspiracy theories to explain tragic or harmful events as the result of secret plots by powerful groups, rejecting official narratives. These theories often gain traction during times of widespread anxiety, suspicion, uncertainty, or hardship, such as during wars, economic depressions, or after significant events like assassinations or natural disasters.12

Exposure to media that supports conspiracies can increase belief in them. The content of these theories can be emotionally compelling, and their alleged discovery can be gratifying. Psychological biases and distrust of official sources also contribute to their persistence. Furthermore, the ease with which false information can spread online, especially through social media and AI-generated content, has amplified the reach of conspiracy theories.123