Why People Believe Conspiracy Theories
We explore the psychology of conspiracies and what draws people to them. Author Michael Shermer joins us to talk about why people believe irrational things.
Listen 50:15
(photo credit, Jordi Play)
Conspiratorial thinking has always been a part of American political thought, but in recent years, fringe beliefs seem to be moving more into the mainstream. People who push disproven conspiracies like the 2020 election fraud lie and the Obama birther myth or rile support for radical groups like QAnon hold major political offices, sit in Congress, and even formerly occupied the White House.
Why do people believe far-out ideas that have been repeatedly debunked? Skeptic Magazine founder Michael Shermer walks us through the psychology of conspiracy theories, their appeal and the methods we need to detect them. Shermer’s new book is, Conspiracy: Why the Rational Believe the Irrational.
WHYY is your source for fact-based, in-depth journalism and information. As a nonprofit organization, we rely on financial support from readers like you. Please give today.
Brought to you by The Connection with Marty Moss-Coane
An investigation found Heather Honey’s flawed claims have been cited by ex-President Trump and fueled GOP backlash against a tool intended to make voter rolls more accurate.
4 months ago
Efforts to overturn the 2020 election
Former election official Al Schmidt and author Mark Bowden on "The Steal: The Attempt to Overturn the 2020 Election and the People Who Stopped It."
Air Date: January 4, 2022 10:00 am
Listen 49:00
Pa. election review continues despite no evidence of rigged vote
Partisan election reviews of the 2020 presidential election are underway in Pennsylvania and Wisconsin.
3 years ago