There has been a lot of research on the types of people who believe conspiracy theories, and their reasons for doing so. But there’s a wrinkle: My colleagues and I have found that there are a number of people sharing conspiracies online who don’t believe their own content.

They are opportunists. These people share conspiracy theories to promote conflict, cause chaos, recruit and radicalize potential followers, make money, harass, or even just to get attention.

There are several types of this sort of conspiracy-spreader trying to influence you.

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[–] UnderpantsWeevil@lemmy.world 3 points 1 month ago

Is it power? These are delusions. They don't affect reality.

Mostly, they appear to be coping for anxiety and stress. Trump's MAGA is a way to convince conservatives that "the patriots are in control" when they're plainly powerless. The Mueller She Wrote crowd needs to believe police exist for powerful people and it's not all just punching down.

All these lies seem to exist and get regurgitated because the truth is too awful to contend with.