Conspiracy theories are damaging society

I think subscription to certain kinds of conspiracy theories [ a.k.a. personal realities, a.k.a. alternative facts] boils down to a kind of attention seeking or narcissism [in the vernacular sense] mixed with a feeling of personal powerlessness.

I think many conspiracy theories put a spring in the step of those who subscribe to them. But there's always an element of victimhood in the mix too.

I find it really disturbing when a person whose intellect and judgment I respect comes out with one of those things from facebook or twitter as if they're gospel truth. I can never think of that person in the same way again. It doesn't just tear families apart, it divides us into clumps of people with differing realities.

-Removed-

Conspiracy theories appeal to certain personality types in uncertain times. There is a considerable body of psychological research into the phenomenon. See, for example:

https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/insight-therapy/202004/true-false-believers-the-psychology-conspiracy-theories