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The Search for Meaning

Belief in Conspiracies and Alternative Theories

Sunil Dom
2 min readOct 5, 2024

In times of uncertainty or confusion, people often turn to conspiracy theories or alternative explanations as a way to make sense of the world. These beliefs, while often dismissed by the mainstream, fulfill a deep psychological need for order, predictability, and control. When faced with complex or threatening situations, the human brain seeks out explanations that offer clarity, even if those explanations are speculative or unsupported by evidence.

Photo by Florencia Viadana on Unsplash

The belief in conspiracy theories is not necessarily a reflection of ignorance but rather a response to fear and confusion. During times of crisis, like the COVID-19 pandemic or major political upheavals, conspiracy theories gain traction because they provide a narrative that explains the chaos.

For example, the belief in a “deep state” or that world governments are secretly controlled by a small elite offers a way to explain otherwise unexplainable political outcomes. Similarly, the rise of flat-earth believers, despite overwhelming scientific evidence, is a testament to the power of belief in offering an alternative framework to understand the world.

In the age of the internet, these beliefs can spread rapidly, gaining followers who find solace in the idea that they are part of a select group that understands “the truth.” The need to believe, in these cases, is not just about understanding the world but about creating a sense of belonging and purpose.

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Sunil Dom
Sunil Dom

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