The Line for Believing in Conspiracy Theories is Blurry for Americans
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Americans display an obsessive culture with anything, and it's no surprise that conspiracy theories are one of them. Conspiracy theories have evolved throughout time just as much as humans have. More specifically, Americans are addicted to understanding conspiracies and creating new ones.
What is America’s fascination with conspiracy theories? They might turn to these theories to find some sort of curious comfort in knowing that they could finally be the ones to solve and prove the uncertain theory. Some Americans may think if they were the ones spreading, believing and researching these theories, they could be the ones getting praise for it, which has had tangible consequences in American history.
Stemming from as early as the colonial period, according to a 2023 study published by the National Library of Medicine, society mainly created conspiracy theories that concerned groups of people who did not fit the traditional white, Anglo-Saxon archetype. They were then accused of secretly plotting nefarious acts against people and institutions during that time.
Part of this suspicion would be pointed toward governments and the individuals holding power. Brian Class, in his article “Why are Americans obsessed with conspiracy theories,” writes, “But such fears have, over time, morphed into paranoid suspicions focused on the government, such as the deep state conspiracies that worry that a shadowy, unknown hand is the real power behind the throne in Washington.”
The most prominent conspiracy theory, and the one that has shifted American thought from trust to question, is the 1969 moon landing conspiracy theory. Some citizens began to question whether Neil Armstrong was the first man on the moon, or if it was a hoax done by the government to promote American exceptionalism during a challenging era of America’s hegemony.
Ever since then, conspiracy theories have been passed around like bees pollinating the flowers around them. The unique thing about conspiracy theories is that anyone can add to them, especially with the advent of the Internet. The ability to post, share and read theories is easier than ever, creating endless accessibility.
Conspiracies around politics have been one of the most prominent with material consequences coming as a result of actions taken by American citizens prompted by conspiracy theories. The 2020 election rigging conspiracy resulted in an insurrection at the U.S. Capitol fueled by lies is just one prominent example of this issue.
With every niche topic in this world, thousands of people take the same interest. In this case, conspiracy videos online have been only getting more and more popular as the internet expands. YouTubers and some major entertainment publications have satisfied the craving for conspiracy content across the internet. When watching these videos, especially in a group setting, it can create a bond.
The combination of conversation and curiosity will dominate any other topic at hand. It can last hours; sharing ideas and fueling the already confirmation bias makes a person more confident in their beliefs. The bonding act of sharing and believing in these theories could be detrimental to how society progresses.
While some conspiracy theories may not be harmful, they can consume minds into the habit of doubt. When it comes to conspiracy theories, whether lighthearted or not, it leads to the question of if there are larger consequences at hand.
Doubting the world is already hard enough, but when there are conspiracy theories that go along with it, the consequences can be endless. Conspiracy theory enthusiasts can create a hostile environment and threaten groups they find involved in the delusion as a study on the impact of conspiracy theories centered on Jewish people demonstrates.
It divides society by those who still have trust in the system and those who don’t. Those who don’t are often seen spreading false information that can lead to people being confused, and also not following trusted authorities.