A Neuroscientist Explains What Conspiracy Theories Do To Your Brain | Inverse

Summary

Conspiracy theories are on the rise, with people believing in outlandish ideas like flat Earth or alien infiltration. The human brain is wired to detect patterns for survival, but this can lead to seeing connections in unrelated data. Higher dopamine levels, illusory pattern perception, and confirmation bias contribute to these beliefs. Additionally, fear and feelings of powerlessness drive individuals toward conspiracy theories, seeking order in chaos. However, empowering individuals and addressing their sense of helplessness can reduce reliance on conspiracies. Understanding the neuroscience behind these beliefs offers a potential path to counteracting them.

Takeaways

• 😀 Conspiracy theories are experiencing a resurgence, with many public figures sharing outlandish beliefs about topics like flat Earth and alien infiltration.
• 😀 The human brain is wired to detect patterns, which historically helped with survival, but this can lead to seeing patterns where none exist, such as in conspiracy theories.
• 😀 Conspiracy theories often involve explaining major events as secret plots by powerful groups, which can distort reality and mislead people's understanding.
• 😀 People who believe in conspiracy theories are more prone to illusory pattern perception, which is the tendency to see connections in random events.
• 😀 Studies show that people who believe in conspiracy theories are more likely to perceive patterns even in random events, such as coin flips.
• 😀 Higher levels of dopamine, a neurotransmitter linked to emotion, reward, and cognition, are associated with increased belief in conspiracy theories.
• 😀 When dopamine levels are artificially increased, even non-believers can start to see patterns in random data, behaving similarly to conspiracy theorists.
• 😀 Confirmation bias plays a key role in reinforcing conspiracy theories, as people seek out information that supports their existing beliefs and disregard contradicting evidence.
• 😀 The internet, while it provides a wealth of information, has worsened the problem of conspiracy theories by enabling echo chambers where misinformation is amplified.
• 😀 People who feel powerless or uncertain are more likely to gravitate towards conspiracy theories, as these beliefs offer a sense of control and understanding in chaotic situations.
• 😀 Empowering individuals by encouraging personal action and reducing feelings of helplessness can decrease reliance on conspiracy theories, without needing to directly confront the beliefs themselves.

Q & A

Why are conspiracy theories experiencing a resurgence in recent times?

Conspiracy theories are becoming more prominent due to a combination of widespread misinformation, increased media exposure, and online communities that amplify these beliefs. Celebrities, athletes, and individuals with large platforms often endorse such theories, which encourages their spread.

How is the human brain wired to process patterns?

The human brain is wired to detect patterns as a survival mechanism. This ability, which was crucial for early humans, helps identify potential dangers or opportunities, such as dark clouds signaling a storm or unusual sounds indicating a predator. Over time, the brain's capacity to process patterns became more sophisticated, particularly with the expansion of the cerebral cortex.

What is illusory pattern perception and how does it relate to conspiracy beliefs?

Illusory pattern perception refers to the tendency of the brain to see connections or patterns where there are none. This phenomenon is more common among individuals who believe in conspiracy theories, as they are more likely to interpret random or unrelated events as connected, reinforcing their beliefs.

What role does dopamine play in conspiracy theory belief?

Dopamine is a neurotransmitter involved in motivation, reward, and cognition. It helps the brain find signal in noise, and individuals with higher dopamine levels are more prone to perceiving patterns in random information. Studies show that those with genetically higher dopamine levels or those exposed to dopamine-boosting substances are more likely to believe in conspiracy theories.

What is confirmation bias and how does it affect conspiracy theorists?

Confirmation bias is the tendency to seek and favor information that supports pre-existing beliefs while disregarding contradictory evidence. In conspiracy theorists, this bias reinforces their beliefs, making it difficult to change their views, especially when they are exposed to online echo chambers that amplify misinformation.

How does the internet contribute to the spread of conspiracy theories?

The internet facilitates the spread of conspiracy theories by enabling individuals to find and join echo chambers—online communities that only reinforce their beliefs. This creates an environment where misinformation can thrive, and users become increasingly isolated from opposing viewpoints, making it harder to challenge their beliefs.

What role does the brain's emotional centers play in belief in conspiracy theories?

The brain's emotional centers, particularly the amygdala and insula, become active in uncertain or fearful situations. These areas are responsible for emotional responses and can raise alarms when a person feels powerless or uncertain, leading them to seek out conspiracy theories as a way to restore a sense of order or control.

Why do people gravitate towards conspiracy theories when they feel powerless?

When individuals feel powerless or out of control, they often look for explanations that provide a sense of structure or understanding. Conspiracy theories offer a way to make sense of chaos by suggesting that unseen forces are in control, which can be comforting in the face of uncertainty.

How can empowering individuals reduce their belief in conspiracy theories?

Empowering individuals, especially those who feel disempowered, by encouraging them to take action in their personal lives can help reduce their reliance on conspiracy theories. When people feel they have control over their circumstances, their need to believe in external, controlling forces decreases.

What are the potential dangers of believing in conspiracy theories?

Believing in conspiracy theories can lead to the rejection of scientific facts, the spread of misinformation, and harmful decision-making. For example, conspiracy theories can affect public health decisions, like vaccine refusal, or undermine trust in crucial institutions, leading to societal division and harm.