For the past two years, with the coronavirus pandemic, everyone's endurance has been tested. In addition to the resilience of the health system and the economy, our mental and spiritual resilience is also tested. It is the period during which the escalation of that phenomenon that many call "conspiracy theory" is observed. The EU defines as "conspiracy theory" the belief that certain events or situations are the subject of secret and behind-the-scenes manipulation by powerful forces, always with the intention of bad intentions.
Basic components
Usually, conspiracy theories have some basic points of reference, which are as follows: Initially a supposed secret plot is instigated by a group of conspirators. Then the "evidence" is searched, mainly indications of those who will support the conspiracy theory. Those who blindly follow conspiracy theories do not believe in the randomness of certain events, nor in the coincidence of events. They always see an inextricable interconnectedness of events and believe that a battle of "good" and "evil" prevails in the world from the origins of humanity. Conspiracy theories have always existed. Some proved over the years that they were not exactly "theories", but had a basis in truth. Others are waiting for the "Day of Judgment", and their inspirers will be justified. In modern times there has been a significant phase change, as with the abundance of data and information on the internet, everyone can "support" and promote their own "truth" for a conspiracy theory. However, especially for the pandemic period and how conspiracy theories are linked to harmful behaviors for health, the economy and interpersonal relationships, a Cambridge University study published in the journal Psychological Medicine in mid-October
As originally noted, most previous research on these issues was limited to the attitudes or behavioral intentions of those who believed in conspiracy theories. This study examined the extent to which conspiracy theories predicted health behavior and well-being over a longer period of time. The study was conducted by a Dutch research team from the Kieskompas Institute ("Electoral Compass"), and examined whether conspiracy theories at the beginning of the pandemic (April 2020) predict a number of specific health and well-being outcomes eight months later ( December 2020).
Categories of conspiracy theories for Covid
In general, the research notes that "conspiracy theories during the pandemic have argued, for example, that the coronavirus is a biological weapon made in a Chinese laboratory or that the pandemic is a scam designed by governments to suppress ordinary citizens. Conspiracy theories are often defined as explanatory beliefs, assuming that an elite group is secretly conspiring to achieve malicious goals.
Researchers point out that a key feature of conspiracy theories is that they operate in a causal context. Even if a conspiracy theory does not have a logical consequence or does not have convincing scientific evidence, if it seems true to someone who perceives it, it has a real impact on his attitudes, feelings and behavior. Therefore, experimental studies have revealed that exposure to anti-vaccination conspiracy theories reduces people's reluctance to vaccinate children, and that exposure to government conspiracy theories increases people's willingness to commit petty crimes.
Results
The results showed that the beliefs of a conspiracy behind him Covid-19 predicted in the future a reduced chance of someone being tested for coronavirus. In addition, his belief that if he took a test, he would have an increased chance of coming out positive. These people also have an increased chance of violating the coronavirus regulations, worsening their personal financial situation (job loss, reduced income). At the same time, they face issues of social rejection and reduced overall prosperity. Most of these results were generalized to a broader sensitivity to conspiracy theories (i.e., conspiracy theories).
Alienation and occupational effects
In fact, researchers believe that conspiracy theories about early pandemics predict a number of health-related behavioral effects in the future months later. In particular, they believe that conspiracy theories are related to the feeling of a lesser threat from the coronavirus and the reduced willingness to take restrictive measures.
Belief in conspiracy theories about Covid-19 (as of April 2020) predicted a reduced probability that these individuals would have been tested by December 2020. Among those who took the test, those who believed in conspiracy theories also felt an increased chance that the test would be positive.
It was also observed that those who believed in theories were more likely to end contact with their fellow human beings because of their views on the coronavirus. At the same time, however, people who did not have conspiracy theories also seemed to be likely to end contact with others because of what they said about the coronavirus.
The research concluded that it is more common for people with high conspiracy theories to experience social rejection. Obviously, people with low conspiracy theories are more likely to reject people with high conspiracy theories than vice versa. This intolerance of conspiracy theorists is consistent with the idea that public support for conspiracy theories is social stigma.
A total of 332 survey participants reported losing their jobs during the pandemic. As predicted, these individuals predicted an increased likelihood of job loss and loss of income.
Existential vanity
In conclusion, the report notes that belief in conspiracy theories may be linked to a generally pessimistic view of life and the world, leading to relatively negative assessments of how the pandemic has affected one's well-being. These issues suggest that more research is needed to decouple these complex relationships and to determine the long-term causal effects of conspiracy theories on health and well-being.
Finally, conspiracy theories have received a great deal of attention during the pandemic, on the Internet, on social media, and in public debate. While the pandemic and the vaccination are in progress, it is extremely difficult for anyone to convince anyone that they have the absolute truth about what constitutes a "conspiracy theory". Therefore, dogmatic approaches, aphorisms between people of different beliefs only lead to division and no way out of the labyrinth of the pandemic.
(published in "Today's Sunday", 28/11/2021)