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Crazy as these theories are, those propagating them are not — they’re quite normal, in fact. But recent scientific research tells us this much: if you think one of the theories above is plausible, you probably feel the same way about the others, even though they contradict one another. And it’s very likely that this isn’t the only news story that makes you feel as if shadowy forces are behind major world
Melley proposes that conspiracy thinking arises from a combination of two factors, when someone: 1) holds strong individualist values and 2) lacks a sense of control. The first attribute refers to people who care deeply about an individual's right to make their own choices and direct their own lives without interference or obligations to a larger system (like the government). But combine this with a sense of powerlessness in one's own life, and you get what Melley calls agency panic, "intense anxiety about an apparent loss of autonomy" to outside forces or regulators.
Rob48
reply to post by FlyersFan
I agree with you right up to the last sentence. I don't think "TPTB" (which is a pretty meaningless term) could give two hoots about conspiracy theorists. They have more important things on their minds, like how to line their pockets before the next lot of politicians get into power
Rob48
I don't think "TPTB" (which is a pretty meaningless term) could give two hoots about conspiracy theorists.
What's the explanation for this kind of behaviour? And do you agree that it harms the image of the whole community?
FlyersFan
Rob48
I don't think "TPTB" (which is a pretty meaningless term) could give two hoots about conspiracy theorists.
That's fine. I just think that people in charge/power know that conspiracy theorists can be a resource
to use as a distraction for the general public. Get nutter theorists talking about 'no planes hit the WTC'
so that the general population will steer clear of asking legitimate questions about 9/11. that kind of thing.
AccessDenied
It seems you have come to your conclusion based on how you expect conspiracy theorists to be,and how you expect your experience on ATS to be. Might want to lower your expectation bar a little. We have some fabulous researchers here,and we have closed minded trolls,but online or offline they are all real people that interact in the real same screwed up world. You are the director of your own experience here,make it what you will. It really isn't up to any of us to try to change anyone's beliefs to match our own,or call them names because they have a different or opposing opinion,although some will try. I ignore those people. If you cannot discuss or debate a topic on an adult level without resorting to a childish temperament ,then I won't continue with you. It is that simple. If more members here stopped feeding troll egos,they would get bored and move on. Regardless,just be the change you want to see here,set the example,and don't worry about others. The choice is yours to accept that other people just are how they are.
You are the director of your own experience here,make it what you will. It really isn't up to any of us to try to change anyone's beliefs to match our own
yorkshirelad
The OP has stated something that the psychologists would agree with 100%. A conspiracist never admits to being wrong even when presented with facts that contradict their opinion. Instead, the conspiracist will modify the conspiracy to encompass the inconvenient facts.
It is not as simple as :
You are the director of your own experience here,make it what you will. It really isn't up to any of us to try to change anyone's beliefs to match our own
for the simple reason that there people here who do not have an opinion one way or another. If those who disagreed with a stated conspiracy, left the forum, what would the fence sitter think? Yes, they would believe the conspiracy must be true because nobody disagrees with it........bad.....very bad. Sorry but the ones who spout total nonsense and ignore blatant facts have to be called out.