Why Do People Believe in Absurd Conspiracies Instead of Mainstream News?

In today's digital age, it is not uncommon for people to believe in wild and often absurd conspiracies. This raises a significant question: why do some individuals gravitate towards these beliefs instead of relying on mainstream news for information? This article explores the reasons behind this phenomenon and examines the impact of propaganda and media bias on public trust.

Why Mainstream Media is Considered Biased and Unreliable

There is a growing sentiment that mainstream media has a biased view. Some argue that news is no longer about truth but propaganda. This suggestion is supported by the Smith-Mundt Act amendments in 2014, which allows the U.S. government to produce and disseminate unclassified propaganda without the Congressional oversight that was initially intended. This change has led to a pervasive mistrust of the media among the public.

With this in mind, some people question the credibility of mainstream news, believing that it is heavily influenced by political agendas. For example, the media's role in perpetuating the

The Case of the Trump-Russia Collusion Hoax

A classic example of this media bias is the case of the Trump-Russia collusion hoax. Media organizations initially claimed that questioning the claim was a . This event highlighted the tendency of mainstream media to push a particular agenda and label alternative viewpoints as conspiracy theories.

The Evolution of Public Perception of News

As more and more people rely on social media and alternative news sources for information, the line between truth and fiction has become increasingly blurred. This has led to a general distrust of media, especially from those who perceive journalists as activists rather than neutral reporters. The continuous fabrication and embellishment of conspiracy theories, often linked to political figures, have further eroded public trust in mainstream news.

The debate over the veracity of the is a prime example of this. For years, it was dismissed as an absurd conspiracy theory, but now more evidence supports its validity. Similarly, the Hunter Biden laptop scandal was once considered a conspiracy theory, but the ongoing investigation has revealed new and compelling evidence.

These events illustrate that all media sources, including mainstream news outlets, can and do propagate propaganda. By twisting and manipulating the truth, they can influence public opinion and shape narrative agendas.

The Psychological Factors Behind Belief in Absurd Conspiracies

Believing in conspiracies can be heavily influenced by psychological factors. One such factor is the desire for a sense of superiority. Conspiracy theorists often feel that they possess the “real truth” that is hidden from the masses, giving them a sense of enlightenment and special knowledge. This feeling of being privy to the truth can make them feel superior to others who may be in the dark.

Another psychological factor at play is the need to feel like one is right. Conspiracy theorizers often enjoy the feeling of knowing something that others do not, which can be a form of validation. This is especially true if they share this belief with others who also believe in the same conspiracies. In some cases, conspiracy theorists are perhaps trolls, spreading misinformation for the sake of chaos and rebellion.

Conclusion

The belief in absurd conspiracies instead of mainstream news often stems from a combination of media bias, psychological factors, and the erosion of trust in traditional news sources. As society becomes more polarized and information is readily available through various channels, it is essential for individuals to critically evaluate the sources they rely on. By fostering a culture of fact-checking and promoting journalistic integrity, we can begin to address the root causes of this phenomenon and work towards a more informed and trusting public.