Shining a spotlight on the dangerous consequences of conspiracy theories

Jolley, Daniel; Marques, Mathew D.; Cookson, Darel

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has illuminated how conspiracy beliefs–that explain important events as the secret actions of the powerful–can severely impact health choices (such as reduced infection-prevention behaviours). However, the consequences of conspiracy beliefs span far beyond the topic of COVID-19. This review shines a spotlight on how conspiracy beliefs could impact public and personal health (e.g., vaccine uptake), democratic citizenship (e.g., political engagement), intergroup relations (e.g., prejudice and discrimination), and may inspire violence and extremism. We argue that conspiracy beliefs are likely to have the power to mobilise citizens in ways detrimental to a smooth-running society. We conclude the review by offering a range of fruitful avenues for future investigation.

Citation

Jolley, D., Marques, M. D., & Cookson, D. (2022). Shining a spotlight on the dangerous consequences of conspiracy theories. Current Opinion in Psychology, 47, Article 101363. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.copsyc.2022.101363

• Journal Article Type: Review
• Acceptance Date: May 20, 2022
• Online Publication Date: May 28, 2022
• Publication Date: 2022-10
• Deposit Date: May 30, 2022
• Publicly Available Date: May 29, 2023
• Journal: Current Opinion in Psychology
• Print ISSN: 2352-250X
• Publisher: Elsevier
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 47
• Article Number: 101363
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.copsyc.2022.101363
• Keywords: General Psychology
• Public URL: https://nottingham-repository.worktribe.com/output/8305201
• Publisher URL: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2352250X22000823?via%3Dihub