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A little science on conspiracy theory believers

Posted: May 6, 2011

To sum up the article: "We found that in their search for explanations under such uncertain and confusing conditions, people rely partly on projection -- the assumption that others would behave much as they would."

***

Some of the truths I have learned in my life: It seems like the ones who "squawk" the loudest are the ones who have the most guilt or are hiding something. Also, the person who most emphatically tells me "I would never do that" is most likely the same person who will eventually be caught doing exactly that. (i.e. "moral" religious leaders caught in various acts of immorality). So it does not surprise me that believers in conspiracy theories would be most likely partake in conspiracy theories. Just find it interesting.

;

I know that theory to be true by personal experience with friends - sm

[ In Reply To ..]
Two times I've had friends, who didn't know each other, and were extreme in their rhetoric on a certain controversial topic. Then both of them ended up doing that thing they were so militantly against. I never could make sense of that and had no idea it was an actual theory.

The people who tell me they "don't have enough time" - sm

[ In Reply To ..]
to get their work done or "I work the hardest" are usually the ones goofing off the most. True in so many areas of life.

That was an interesting article - js

[ In Reply To ..]
That was an interesting article and some of the articles are interesting too and I will read later. Thanks for posting the link. I do agree with your truths you posted, although I have also found the opposite in my life. Usually the people who "squawk" the loudest are guilty, but I have also found that the person who is the most silent has also been the most guilty.

One thing I find funny (not ha, ha, but thought provoking) is I think there is a conspiracy theory that there are conspiracy theorists. Take this board for example. A lot of posters keep posting to people who don't agree with them that they belong to a conspiracy theory of the month club :-) or that a poster is a conspiracy theorist, but in truth is is not a conspiracy theory and the person accusing the other of a conspiracy theory is really the one with the conspiracy theory. Wow...boggles the mind, but is quite an interesting concept.

Thanks again for posting the link.

Then again, I think most of us know a conspiracy theory when we see one - Nice try though :)

[ In Reply To ..]
People disagree with each other on any number of topics. That's normal.

It depends a lot on your culture and background - Some people

[ In Reply To ..]
Some people cannot look you in the eye when telling a lie, the next will stare you down while telling a lie. In my family/culture, we are very quiet and hardly ever make eye contact.

It's interesting but the following sentence doesn't hold water with me - Backwards Typist

[ In Reply To ..]
"Also, the person who most emphatically tells me "I would never do that" is most likely the same person who will eventually be caught doing exactly that."

So, because I state I would never sell drugs, or rob a bank, I eventually will? At least I'd be making more than MT wages. LOL

I'm thinkin' this is one of those theories that isn't one-size-fits-all - but it sure fits some!

[ In Reply To ..]
Good point.

When someone brings it up out of the blue - it is like

[ In Reply To ..]
it is nagging at them or they are contemplating it. I agree most of us would not actually rob a bank, but I am unlikely to bring the subject up without a reason!

Out of the blue -- like this thread? :) - LOL

[ In Reply To ..]
The mainstreamers on this board are OBSESSED with discrediting the so-called "conspiracy theorists" here. They probably lie awake at night thinking about it. (Ask yourself WHY? What does it matter that there are people with differing points of view on here?) Funny thing is, ALL they can do is hurl ad hominems and post THEORIES like the premise of this article.

Keep drinking the Kool-Aid and NOT researching ANYTHING. Your closed minds will betray you in the end.

Oh good. Glad you are back - Now which theories do you like best?

[ In Reply To ..]
1. Rozwell.
2. Elvis.
3. Kennedy.
4. Moon landing.
4.5 Free Masons.
4.6 Soros.
4.7 Rupert and News Corp.
4.73 Unions and Jimmy Hoffa.
4.8 Chamber of Commerce.
5. Truther.
6. Birther.
7. Deather.
8. Comber.

Please feel free to elaborate.

Hey...leave Elvis out of this. - Trigger Happy

[ In Reply To ..]
Bahahahaha!

Don't belittle the Elvis theory. I'm still not through with that one - Indecisive

[ In Reply To ..]
It's just so hard to decide the truth on that one. Sigh. Okay, before someone takes me seriously, I'm joking. I visited Graceland and he most definitely was not there.

The 'Comber' conspiracy (live fox under there) offends me but - Rozwell fascinates me

[ In Reply To ..]
LOL. I think my new philosophy is, insanity is its own reward. What does that mean? Absolutely nothing, but if you say it often enough, some people will believe it.

The problem is that we all know - sm

[ In Reply To ..]
our government cannot be trusted 100%. No administration is going to 100% transparent and let the public know everything. When certain things aren't answered fully, questions arise and people's imaginations run wild.

You have made a very good point. I hadn't thought about it that way - sm

[ In Reply To ..]
There are things that can't be released to the public, for reasons of our own security. I'm like everyone else. I read and watch all those TV shows about all the conspiracies. In fact, I often believe them for an hour or two, then common sense kicks in and spoils my fun. Some of those theories would be fun to believe, if only my common sense would allow it. Of course then I'd be crazy and with each new theory I'd get a little more crazy, and pretty soon I would be the one promoting those theories. On second thought, it wouldn't be that much fun after all. I'd rather stay in reality. There is power in the truth that you won't find in all the craziness.

Not all those listed are - theories

[ In Reply To ..]
Sometimes people need to separate facts from theory. If someone doesn't believe something someone else does that is just called a difference of opinion. When one tries to belittle others just because they don't believe in their viewpoint it's very easy to throw in the term "conspiracy theory". It makes the accuser feel as though his viewpoint is correct. Your #4.5, 4.6, 4.7, 4.73 are not theory's. Where did you copy that list from? I've heard of truther and birther. Never heard of deather or comber. Now it seems like that is just being too silly. So if you're going to list all those as supposedly "theories" you should have added:

1. Working to pay bills.
2. Buying gas because the tank is empty.
3. Stocking up on goods in case of an emergency.

See how silly that can get with considering everything is a "theory"

Which ones do you believe to be factual? - NM

[ In Reply To ..]

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