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Cao S, van Prooijen JW, van Vugt M. The motivations and reputational consequences of spreading conspiracy theories. BRITISH JOURNAL OF SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY 2024. [PMID: 38970415 DOI: 10.1111/bjso.12784] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2024] [Revised: 06/13/2024] [Accepted: 06/21/2024] [Indexed: 07/08/2024]
Abstract
Some people deliberately spread conspiracy theories. What are the reputational benefits and costs of doing so? The Adaptive-Conspiracism hypothesis proposes that it pays to be vigilant against possible conspiracies, especially in case of intergroup threat. Those who spread conspiracy theories may therefore be seen as valuable group members. Few studies have focused on the reputational impact of spreading a conspiracy theory. We conducted five studies (NPilot = 303; NStudy1 = 388; NStudy2 = 560; NStudy3 = 391; NStudy4 = 373) where participants rated a conspiracy spreader (vs. a neutral person) on a range of personality traits in different intergroup contexts. The results indicated that conspiracy spreaders were consistently perceived as more dominant and less warm than people making non-conspiratorial claims about certain events. Moreover, intergroup conflict attenuated the negative effects of spreading conspiracy theories on competence and warmth. These findings support the notion that besides drawbacks, spreading conspiracy theories can have benefits for the spreader's reputation, particularly during an intergroup conflict.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shen Cao
- Department of Experimental and Applied Psychology, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Jan-Willem van Prooijen
- Department of Experimental and Applied Psychology, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Mark van Vugt
- Department of Experimental and Applied Psychology, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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2
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Adamus M, Ballová Mikušková E, Kačmár P, Guzi M, Adamkovič M, Chayinska M, Adam-Troian J. The mediating effect of institutional trust in the relationship between precarity and conspiracy beliefs: A conceptual replication of Adam-Troian et al. (2023). BRITISH JOURNAL OF SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY 2024; 63:1207-1225. [PMID: 38270221 DOI: 10.1111/bjso.12725] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2023] [Revised: 01/06/2024] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 01/26/2024]
Abstract
The paper reports the results of registered conceptual replications of the indirect effect of institutional trust in the relationship between precarity and the endorsement of conspiracy beliefs (CB). The original study of Adam-Troian et al. (2023; British Journal of Social Psychology, 62(S1), 136-159) indicated that subjective appraisals of economic hardship are associated with lower trust in governments and institutions, which in turn is associated with stronger endorsement of CB. Our Studies 1 to 3 report a series of replications using Slovak panel data. Study 4 reports a replication of the mediation model using data from the European Social Survey Round 10 collected in 17 countries. To provide a quantitative synthesis of these and previous results, we conducted mini meta-analysis (N = 50,340). Although the strength of the observed relationships differed across the studies to some degree, the original patterns of relations remained robust, supporting the original model. The study corroborates the view that to curb the spread of CB, it is necessary to address structural issues, such as growing financial insecurity, socioeconomic inequalities, and the deficit of institutional trust. Finally, we discuss the role of cultural and political settings in conditioning the mechanisms through which precarity enhances the endorsement of CB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magdalena Adamus
- Faculty of Economics and Administration, Masaryk University, Brno, Czechia
- Centre of Social and Psychological Sciences, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Eva Ballová Mikušková
- Centre of Social and Psychological Sciences, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Pavol Kačmár
- Faculty of Arts, Pavol Jozef Šafárik University, Košice, Slovakia
| | - Martin Guzi
- Faculty of Economics and Administration, Masaryk University, Brno, Czechia
| | - Matuš Adamkovič
- Centre of Social and Psychological Sciences, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava, Slovakia
- Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, University of Jyväskylä, Jyväskylä, Finland
| | - Maria Chayinska
- Department of Cognitive, Psychological and Pedagogical Sciences, and Cultural Studies, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
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3
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Papaioannou K, Pantazi M, van Prooijen JW. Rejection of the status quo: Conspiracy theories and preference for alternative political systems. BRITISH JOURNAL OF SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY 2024. [PMID: 38887120 DOI: 10.1111/bjso.12754] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2023] [Revised: 03/28/2024] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024]
Abstract
Conspiracy theories introduce a democratic paradox, as belief in conspiracy theories predicts support for both democratic and non-democratic political systems. In this article, we explore whether democratic and anti-democratic attitudes, resulting from conspiracy beliefs, can be mutually exclusive. In Study 1 (United Kingdom, N = 293), we show that belief in conspiracy theories is associated with decreased support for representative democracy, and increased support for direct democracy, anarchism, and autocracy within the same individuals. In Study 2 (United States, N = 302, pre-registered), we experimentally show that the perceived presence of conspiracies is linked to an increased preference for direct democracy, anarchism, and autocracy and decreased support for representative democracy. Mediational analyses suggest that widespread dissatisfaction with the status quo and, less consistently, feelings of political cynicism mediate the relationships between conspiracy beliefs and (anti-)democratic attitudes. In Study 3 (United States, N = 400, pre-registered), we experimentally manipulate (dis)satisfaction with the status quo. Results indicate that rejecting the status quo increases support for direct democracy, anarchism, and autocracy and decreases support for representative democracy. Overall, our findings suggest that people who believe in conspiracy theories tend to favour both democratic and anti-democratic political alternatives, largely attributed to citizens' desire to change the status quo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kostas Papaioannou
- Centre for the Study of Politics (CEVIPOL), Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
- Department of Political Science, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Myrto Pantazi
- Department of Psychology, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Jan-Willem van Prooijen
- Department of Experimental and Applied Psychology, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- The Netherlands Institute for the Study of Crime and Law Enforcement (NSCR), Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Criminal Law and Criminology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
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4
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Poon KT, Chan RSW, Lai HS, Jiang Y, Teng F. Watching for a snake in the grass: Objectification increases conspiracy beliefs. BRITISH JOURNAL OF SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY 2024. [PMID: 38780089 DOI: 10.1111/bjso.12768] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2023] [Accepted: 05/03/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
Objectification, being treated as a tool to achieve someone's instrumental goals, is a common phenomenon. A workplace supervisor may view employees solely in terms of their output; likewise, friends may be seen only for their potential for personal and social advancement. We conducted five studies (N = 1209) to test whether objectification increases conspiracy beliefs through thwarted trust and whether postobjectification increases in conspiracy beliefs carry behavioural implications. While conspiracy beliefs may have evolved as a strategy for survival, they may be considered maladaptive in the modern world. Therefore, understanding the antecedents, underlying mechanisms, and implications of conspiracy beliefs is essential. We measured (Study 1) and manipulated objectification (Studies 2-5), consistently finding that objectification decreased trust, thereby increasing conspiracy beliefs (Studies 1-5). This effect remained after considering negative emotions (Study 2). Increased conspiracy beliefs following objectification positively predicted unethical tendencies, and the effect of objectification on unethical tendencies was serially mediated by trust and conspiracy beliefs (Study 4). Restoring objectified people's trust weakened their conspiracy beliefs and unethical tendencies (Study 5). We discussed the implications of our findings, proposing directions for researchers, practitioners, managers, and policymakers for theoretical advancement, healthier coping, and promotion of well-being.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai-Tak Poon
- Department of Psychology and Centre for Psychosocial Health, The Education University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Rheal S W Chan
- Department of Psychology and Centre for Psychosocial Health, The Education University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Hill-Son Lai
- Department of Psychology and Centre for Psychosocial Health, The Education University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Yufei Jiang
- Department of Administrative Management, Hangzhou City University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Fei Teng
- School of Psychology, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, China
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5
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Dong Y, Yang X, Zhang X, Jiang J. 'They are conspiring against us': How outgroup conspiracy theories stimulate environmental neglect in intergroup resource dilemmas. BRITISH JOURNAL OF SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY 2024. [PMID: 38742773 DOI: 10.1111/bjso.12758] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2023] [Accepted: 04/24/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024]
Abstract
Natural resources are limited, and people often share these limited resources in groups, which creates an intergroup resource dilemma. To understand individuals' sustainable behaviours in intergroup resource dilemmas in the context of group interactions, the present research systematically investigates the effect of outgroup conspiracy theories on sustainable behaviours and preliminarily explores the internal mechanism underlying this effect. First, a survey study (Study 1) relying on real-world intergroup relations first confirmed the negative correlation between outgroup conspiracy beliefs and sustainable intentions in intergroup resource dilemmas. Then, an online experimental study that utilized the real situation of a region in China (Study 2) tested the causal relationship between exposure to an outgroup conspiracy theory and sustainable intentions, as well as showing the mediating role of intergroup threat perception underlying this relationship. Finally, a preregistered experimental laboratory study (Study 3) further verified the causal effect of exposure to an outgroup conspiracy theory on sustainable behaviours, again confirming the mediating role of intergroup threat perception. In general, our research demonstrates that exposure to an outgroup conspiracy theory stimulates individuals' environmental neglect and reduces their sustainable behaviours by increasing their perceptions of intergroup threat when faced with intergroup resource dilemmas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yijia Dong
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Applied Experimental Psychology, National Demonstration Center for Experimental Psychology Education (Beijing Normal University), Faculty of Psychology, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong
| | - Xinyi Yang
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Applied Experimental Psychology, National Demonstration Center for Experimental Psychology Education (Beijing Normal University), Faculty of Psychology, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaomeng Zhang
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Applied Experimental Psychology, National Demonstration Center for Experimental Psychology Education (Beijing Normal University), Faculty of Psychology, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Jiang Jiang
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Applied Experimental Psychology, National Demonstration Center for Experimental Psychology Education (Beijing Normal University), Faculty of Psychology, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
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Ramezani T, Zanjari N, Rafiey H, Delbari A. Iranian community-dwelling older adults' perceptions of prosociality: A qualitative study. JOURNAL OF EDUCATION AND HEALTH PROMOTION 2024; 13:99. [PMID: 38726078 PMCID: PMC11081440 DOI: 10.4103/jehp.jehp_213_23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2023] [Accepted: 05/03/2023] [Indexed: 05/12/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The world population is aging at an accelerating rate, and prosociality aspects increase in people with age. This study aimed to explore Iranian community-dwelling older adults' perspectives of the prosociality concept. MATERIALS AND METHODS This qualitative study was conducted among older adults aged 60 years and older in Qom City, Iran. A purposive sampling method was used to collect data between July and October 2022. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 25 older adults engaged in various types of prosocial activities. Data were analyzed applying a directed content analysis approach. All interviews were audio recorded, transcribed verbatim, and coded using MAXQDA 20 software. RESULTS Overall, 5 main categories and 19 subcategories emerged from the content data analysis. The two emerged categories were related to the predetermined dimensions of the prosociality concept, namely, "prosocial behaviors" and "prosocial dispositions." The remaining three newly emerged categories included "egocentric motives," "facilitators," and "barriers" to prosocial behaviors. As participants reported, "informal spontaneous helping" was the most prevalent subcategory of prosocial behaviors. "Prosocial norms" and "social reward-seeking" were identified as the most common subcategories of prosocial dispositions and egocentric motives, respectively. Likewise, participants mentioned "religious and metaphysic beliefs" and "social distrust" as important facilitators and barriers, respectively. CONCLUSIONS The results of this qualitative study provide a new understanding of the prosociality concept among older adults in the context of Iran. In conclusion, to improve prosocial behaviors in this population, the interaction between all factors that influence it such as motives, facilitators, and barriers must be considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tahereh Ramezani
- Department of Aging, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Nasibeh Zanjari
- Iranian Research Centre on Aging, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hassan Rafiey
- Department of Social Welfare Management, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ahmad Delbari
- Department of Aging, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Iranian Research Centre on Aging, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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Salvati M, Pellegrini V, De Cristofaro V, Giacomantonio M. What is hiding behind the rainbow plot? The gender ideology and LGBTQ+ lobby conspiracies (GILC) scale. BRITISH JOURNAL OF SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY 2024; 63:295-318. [PMID: 37606152 DOI: 10.1111/bjso.12678] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2023] [Accepted: 07/20/2023] [Indexed: 08/23/2023]
Abstract
Previous literature on conspiracy beliefs has an important gap, as it has almost completely excluded conspiracy beliefs relating to LGBTQ+ people. The purpose of the present research was to develop and validate a specific tool to measure the Gender Ideology and LGBTQ+ Lobby Conspiracies Beliefs: the GILC scale. Two independent data collections (Ntot = 1.908) were run involving both heterosexual and gay, lesbian and bisexual people. We expected a mono-factorial structure of the tool, with high levels of internal reliability, invariant by respondents' gender, sexual orientation and previous knowledge or hearsay of gender ideology. Furthermore, we expected that GILC scale manages to measure a differentiated construct: (a) compared to other specific and general conspiracy contents; (b) compared to a generic disposition to engage in conspiratorial mentality; (c) compared to existing measures of sexual prejudice, stereotypes and negative attitudes towards sexual minority people. In relation to criterion validity, we expected that several psychosocial and socio-political ideology variables (i.e. RWA and SDO), would associate with high levels in GILC scale. The results confirmed our expectations, showing that GILC scale is a short tool which include nine items with a mono-factorial structure and with excellent psychometric properties. Limitations and further research directions are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Salvati
- Department of Human Sciences, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Valerio Pellegrini
- Department of Social and Developmental Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Valeria De Cristofaro
- Department of Social and Developmental Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Mauro Giacomantonio
- Department of Social and Developmental Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
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van Prooijen JW, Amodio DM, Boot A, Eerland A, Etienne T, Krouwel APM, Onderco M, Verkoeijen P, Zwaan RA. A longitudinal analysis of conspiracy beliefs and Covid-19 health responses. Psychol Med 2023; 53:5709-5716. [PMID: 36154946 PMCID: PMC10482717 DOI: 10.1017/s0033291722002938] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2022] [Revised: 08/23/2022] [Accepted: 08/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Little is known about how conspiracy beliefs and health responses are interrelated over time during the course of the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic. This longitudinal study tested two contrasting, but not mutually exclusive, hypotheses through cross-lagged modeling. First, based on the consequential nature of conspiracy beliefs, we hypothesize that conspiracy beliefs predict an increase in detrimental health responses over time. Second, as people may rationalize their behavior through conspiracy beliefs, we hypothesize that detrimental health responses predict increased conspiracy beliefs over time. METHODS We measured conspiracy beliefs and several health-related responses (i.e. physical distancing, support for lockdown policy, and the perception of the coronavirus as dangerous) at three phases of the pandemic in the Netherlands (N = 4913): During the first lockdown (Wave 1: April 2020), after the first lockdown (Wave 2: June 2020), and during the second lockdown (Wave 3: December 2020). RESULTS For physical distancing and perceived danger, the overall cross-lagged effects supported both hypotheses, although the standardized effects were larger for the effects of conspiracy beliefs on these health responses than vice versa. The within-person change results only supported an effect of conspiracy beliefs on these health responses, depending on the phase of the pandemic. Furthermore, an overall cross-lagged effect of conspiracy beliefs on reduced support for lockdown policy emerged from Wave 2 to 3. CONCLUSIONS The results provide stronger support for the hypothesis that conspiracy beliefs predict health responses over time than for the hypothesis that health responses predict conspiracy beliefs over time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan-Willem van Prooijen
- Department of Experimental and Applied Psychology, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- The Netherlands Institute for the Study of Crime and Law Enforcement (NSCR), Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Department of Criminal Law and Criminology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - David M. Amodio
- Department of Psychology, New York University, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Social Psychology, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Arnout Boot
- Department of Psychology, Education, and Child Studies, Erasmus University Rotterdam, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Anita Eerland
- Department of Communication Science, Radboud University Nijmegen, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Tom Etienne
- Kieskompas, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Department of Political Science & Annenberg School for Communication, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - André P. M. Krouwel
- Departments of Political Science and Communication Science, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Michal Onderco
- Department of Public Administration and Sociology, Erasmus University Rotterdam, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
- Peace Research Center Prague, Faculty of Social Sciences, Charles University, Prague, Czechia
| | - Peter Verkoeijen
- Department of Psychology, Education, and Child Studies, Erasmus University Rotterdam, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
- Brain and Learning Research Group, Learning and Innovation Center, Avans University of Applied Sciences, Breda, the Netherlands
| | - Rolf A. Zwaan
- Department of Psychology, Education, and Child Studies, Erasmus University Rotterdam, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
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Jones C, Galbraith N, Boyda D, Martin DBH, Jackson K. A latent profile analysis of COVID-19 conspiracy beliefs: Associations with thinking styles, mistrust, socio-political control, need for closure and verbal intelligence. PERSONALITY AND INDIVIDUAL DIFFERENCES 2023; 207:112155. [PMID: 36923243 PMCID: PMC9988712 DOI: 10.1016/j.paid.2023.112155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2022] [Revised: 02/19/2023] [Accepted: 03/01/2023] [Indexed: 03/09/2023]
Abstract
Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, attention has been drawn to conspiracy theories. To date, research has largely examined commonalities in conspiracy theory belief, however it is important to identify where there may be notable differences. The aim of the present research was first to distinguish between typologies of COVID-19 conspiracy belief and explore demographic, social cognitive factors associated with these beliefs. Secondly, we aimed to examine the effects of such beliefs on adherence to government health guidelines. Participants (N = 319) rated well known COVID-19 conspiracy theories, completing measures of thinking style, socio-political control, mistrust, verbal intelligence, need for closure and demographic information. Participants also rated the extent to which they followed government health guidelines. Latent profile analysis suggests three profiles of COVID-19 conspiracy beliefs with low, moderate, and high COVID conspiracy belief profiles and successively stronger endorsement on all but one of the COVID-19 conspiracy theories. Those holding stronger COVID-19 conspiracy theory beliefs are more likely to reason emotively, feel less socio-political control, mistrust others, have lower verbal ability and adhere less to COVID-19 guidelines. The social and health implications of these findings are discussed.
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Scaramanga J, Reiss MJ. Evolutionary stasis: creationism, evolution and climate change in the Accelerated Christian Education curriculum. CULTURAL STUDIES OF SCIENCE EDUCATION 2023; 18:1-19. [PMID: 37360053 PMCID: PMC10191816 DOI: 10.1007/s11422-023-10187-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2022] [Accepted: 03/29/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023]
Abstract
There has been little consideration in the science education literature of schools or curricula that advocate creationism. Accelerated Christian Education (ACE) is among the world's largest providers of creationist science materials with a curriculum divided into a system of workbooks which students complete at their own speed. This article examines the ways in which ACE presents particular areas of science that it considers to be contentious, namely evolution and climate change. The ACE curriculum has recently been rewritten, and we show that, like previous editions, the current curriculum relies on rote memorisation to the exclusion of other styles of learning, and that information presented is often misleading or distorted. Religious explanations of natural phenomena are sometimes given in place of scientific ones, and creationist assumptions are inserted into lessons not directly related to evolution or the Big Bang. Those who reject creationism are depicted as making an immoral choice. ACE's recent curricula also add material denying the role of humans in climate change. It is argued that both the teaching methods and content of the ACE curriculum place students at an educational disadvantage.
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van Prooijen JW, Etienne TW, Kutiyski Y, Krouwel APM. Conspiracy beliefs prospectively predict health behavior and well-being during a pandemic. Psychol Med 2023; 53:2514-2521. [PMID: 34641992 PMCID: PMC8529348 DOI: 10.1017/s0033291721004438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2021] [Revised: 10/10/2021] [Accepted: 10/11/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Conspiracy beliefs are associated with detrimental health attitudes during the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic. Most prior research on these issues was cross-sectional, however, and restricted to attitudes or behavioral intentions. The current research was designed to examine to what extent conspiracy beliefs predict health behavior and well-being over a longer period of time. METHODS In this preregistered multi-wave study on a large Dutch research panel (weighted to provide nationally representative population estimates), we examined if conspiracy beliefs early in the pandemic (April 2020) would predict a range of concrete health and well-being outcomes eight months later (December 2020; N = 5745). RESULTS The results revealed that Covid-19 conspiracy beliefs prospectively predicted a decreased likelihood of getting tested for corona; if tested, an increased likelihood of the test coming out positive; and, an increased likelihood of having violated corona regulations, deteriorated economic outcomes (job loss; reduced income), experiences of social rejection, and decreased overall well-being. Most of these effects generalized to a broader susceptibility to conspiracy theories (i.e. conspiracy mentality). CONCLUSIONS These findings suggest that conspiracy beliefs are associated with a myriad of negative life outcomes in the long run. Conspiracy beliefs predict how well people have coped with the pandemic over a period of eight months, as reflected in their health behavior, and their economic and social well-being.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan-Willem van Prooijen
- Department of Experimental and Applied Psychology, VU University, Amsterdam
- The Netherlands Institute for the Study of Crime and Law Enforcement (NSCR), the Netherlands
- Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Tom W. Etienne
- Kieskompas – Election Compass, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Department of Political Science, The Pennsylvania State University, PA, USA
| | | | - André P. M. Krouwel
- Department of Communication Science and Political Science, VU University, Amsterdam
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Xu Y, Zhang Y. Institutional trust and prosocial behavior in China: an experimental approach. THE JOURNAL OF SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY 2023; 163:79-93. [PMID: 35311476 DOI: 10.1080/00224545.2022.2050881] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
We present three studies to demonstrate the important role of institutional trust in promoting prosocial behavior in China. In study 1, we used a Chinese national survey and found that institutional trust significantly predicted people's donation and volunteer activities. In study 2, we experimentally examined the effects of institutional trust in public goods games. Participants allocated more money to public accounts when a positive impression of institutions was implicitly activated than when a negative impression or no concepts were activated. In study 3, we tested the effects of institutional trust in a field experiment with a "pay what you want" strategy. In a charity bazaar, participants who received leaflets that implicitly activated institutional concepts paid more money.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Xu
- Shanghai Jiao Tong University
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Mayer A, Ryder S. Conspiratorial Ideation Is Associated with Lower Perceptions of Policy Effectiveness: Views from Local Governments during the COVID-19 Pandemic. SOCIUS : SOCIOLOGICAL RESEARCH FOR A DYNAMIC WORLD 2023; 9:23780231231177154. [PMID: 37525868 PMCID: PMC10375229 DOI: 10.1177/23780231231177154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/02/2023]
Abstract
Governments around the world struggled to formulate an effective response to the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic, which was hampered by the widespread diffusion of various conspiracy theories about the virus. Local governments are often responsible for the implementing mitigation measures such as mask mandates and curfews but have received very limited attention in the scholarly literature. In this article, the authors use data from local policy actors in Colorado to evaluate the relationship between conspiratorial beliefs and perceptions of mitigation policy effectiveness. The authors find that many local policy actors hold conspiratorial beliefs, which combine with partisanship to contribute to lower perceptions of policy effectiveness. The authors conclude by discussing future research directions, noting that the broad adoption of conspiracy theories likely changes enforcement at the local scale.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam Mayer
- Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
- Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA
| | - Stacia Ryder
- University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
- Utah State University, Logan, UT, USA
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Schöpfer C, Abatista AGF, Fuhrer J, Cova F. ‘Where there are villains, there will be heroes’: Belief in conspiracy theories as an existential tool to fulfill need for meaning. PERSONALITY AND INDIVIDUAL DIFFERENCES 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.paid.2022.111900] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
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15
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Pummerer L, Ditrich L, Winter K, Sassenberg K. Think About It! Deliberation Reduces the Negative Relation Between Conspiracy Belief and Adherence to Prosocial Norms. SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGICAL AND PERSONALITY SCIENCE 2022. [DOI: 10.1177/19485506221144150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
People believing in conspiracy theories question mainstream thoughts and behavior, but it is unknown whether it is also linked to lower adherence to the prosocial norms of the broader society. Furthermore, interventions targeting correlates of the belief in conspiracy theories so far are scarce. In four preregistered, mixed-design experiments ( Ntotal = 1,659, Nobservations = 8,902), we tested whether believing in conspiracy theories is related to lower prosocial norm adherence and whether deliberation about the reason for the norms mitigates this relationship. Across four studies with the U.S. samples, we found that believing in conspiracy theories correlated negatively with prosocial norm adherence in the control condition, which was less pronounced after deliberation (effect size of interaction: d = 0.16). Whether the norm was related to the law or not did not moderate this effect. Results point toward possible ways of mitigating negative correlates and potentially also consequences of believing in conspiracy theories.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Lara Ditrich
- Leibniz-Institut für Wissensmedien, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Kevin Winter
- Leibniz-Institut für Wissensmedien, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Kai Sassenberg
- Leibniz-Institut für Wissensmedien, Tübingen, Germany
- University of Tübingen, Germany
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16
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Endtricht R. [The ambivalent role of spirituality in explaining conspiracy belief and protest intentions in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic]. ZEITSCHRIFT FUR RELIGION, GESELLSCHAFT UND POLITIK 2022; 7:1-29. [PMID: 36407124 PMCID: PMC9651881 DOI: 10.1007/s41682-022-00134-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2022] [Revised: 09/02/2022] [Accepted: 10/05/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
In the course of the COVID-19-pandemic, groups that present themselves as anchors in problem solving and provide supposed solutions for dealing with insecurities are becoming increasingly visible. There seems to be a tendency for conspiracy belief and esoteric attitudes, which are increasingly being expressed in the protests against measures to contain the pandemic. This raises the question of the role of religious affiliations and spiritual worldviews within such groups. In the present study, spirituality is differentiated and measured independently of religion in order to shed light on these questions. The results show two forms of spirituality that differ in the dimensions of worldviews and ethics, values and meaning of life. Both forms can be found in religious as well as non-religious groups. Analyses show different effects of these forms of spirituality on the openness towards alternative and esoteric explanations of the world as well as a skepticism towards science. Additionally, all spiritual elements also contribute to clarifying the belief in conspiracy stories, the support of COVID-related demonstrations and the willingness to participate in these demonstrations. Active spirituality acts as a protective factor and passive spirituality as a reinforcing (risk) factor for these phenomena. Overall, this multi-dimensional measurement of spiritual worldviews can explain attitudes relevant to conspiracy belief and protests, and in this way can break down the previous ambivalent effects of spirituality as a resilience vs. risk factor for such attitudes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Endtricht
- Abteilung für Kriminologie, Universität Hamburg, Hamburg, Deutschland
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17
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Alper S. There are higher levels of conspiracy beliefs in more corrupt countries. EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/ejsp.2919] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Sinan Alper
- Department of Psychology Yasar University Izmir Turkey
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18
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Frenken M, Imhoff R. Malevolent intentions and secret coordination. Dissecting cognitive processes in conspiracy beliefs via diffusion modeling. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jesp.2022.104383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/31/2022]
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19
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Martinez AP, Shevlin M, Valiente C, Hyland P, Bentall RP. Paranoid beliefs and conspiracy mentality are associated with different forms of mistrust: A three-nation study. Front Psychol 2022; 13:1023366. [PMID: 36329737 PMCID: PMC9623260 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.1023366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2022] [Accepted: 09/13/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Paranoia and conspiracy are terms typically used interchangeably. However, although the underlying content of these types of beliefs might be similar (e.g., seeing others as powerful and threatening), recent research suggests that these constructs differ in important ways. One important feature shared by both constructs is excessive mistrust but this aspect might play different roles in each belief system. In this study we explored the strength of associations of different trust predictors (i.e., trust in institutions, trust in sources of information, perceptual trust, and interpersonal trust) between conspiracy mentality and paranoid beliefs. We tested this association in a large representative multinational sample (United Kingdom n = 2025; Spain n = 1951; and Ireland n = 1041). Confirmatory factor analysis supported a two-factor model of conspiracy and paranoid beliefs in each nation sample. Path and equality of constraints analysis revealed that paranoia was more strongly associated with perceptual mistrust (bias towards mistrusting unfamiliar faces) whereas conspiracy was more strongly associated with mistrust in political institutions. Although interpersonal mistrust and trust in social sources of information were associated significantly with conspiracy their association with paranoid beliefs was stronger. These findings clarify the role of different trust processes in both belief systems. Limitations of this study are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anton P. Martinez
- Department of Psychology, The University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom
| | - Mark Shevlin
- School of Psychology, Ulster University, Coleraine, United Kingdom
| | - Carmen Valiente
- Department of Personality Assessment and Clinical Psychology, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Philip Hyland
- Department of Psychology, Maynooth University, Maynooth, Ireland
| | - Richard P. Bentall
- Department of Psychology, The University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom
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20
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Brandenstein N. Going beyond simplicity: Using machine learning to predict belief in conspiracy theories. EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/ejsp.2859] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
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21
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Prooijen JWV. Psychological benefits of believing conspiracy theories. Curr Opin Psychol 2022; 47:101352. [PMID: 35644093 DOI: 10.1016/j.copsyc.2022.101352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2022] [Revised: 04/26/2022] [Accepted: 04/27/2022] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Many people believe conspiracy theories, even though such beliefs are harmful to themselves and their social environment. What is the appeal of conspiracy theories? In this contribution, I propose that conspiracy theories have psychological benefits by imbuing perceiver's worldview with meaning and purpose in a rewarding manner. Conspiracy theories enable an alternative reality in which perceivers (a) can defend a fragile ego by perceiving themselves and their groups as important, (b) can rationalize any of their beliefs and actions as legitimate, and (c) are entertained through the opportunity to uncover a mystery in an exciting tale. These are short-term benefits, however, suggesting that conspiracy theories provide people with a form of instant gratification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan-Willem van Prooijen
- Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Netherlands; The Netherlands Institute for the Study of Crime and Law Enforcement (NSCR), Netherlands; Maastricht University, Netherlands.
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22
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Lockdown support, trust and COVID-19 conspiracy beliefs: Insights from the second national lockdown in France. Health Policy 2022; 126:1103-1109. [PMID: 36127162 PMCID: PMC9472707 DOI: 10.1016/j.healthpol.2022.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2021] [Revised: 09/09/2022] [Accepted: 09/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, restrictive sanitary measures such as lockdowns have been implemented all around the world. Based on a representative sample of the population collected through an online cross-sectional survey, the goal of the study was to investigate the factors associated with lockdown agreement in France during the second general lockdown of fall 2020. More specifically, we aimed to investigate how trust in the government and COVID-19 conspiracy beliefs influenced lockdown agreement. Trust in the authorities and low adherence to conspiracy beliefs appeared as strong predictors of lockdown acceptance among our sample. Using a mediation analysis, we highlighted a significant indirect effect of trust in the authorities on lockdown agreement through the adherence to conspiracy beliefs: low level of trust translated into higher odds to believe in COVID-19 misinformation which in turn decreased lockdown support. The double effect of trust on lockdown agreement, both directly and indirectly, underlines the importance of careful communication from the government around decisions related to COVID-19 mitigation measures in order not to deteriorate even more the low level of trust in the health action of the government. The fight against false information also appears of the utmost importance to increase the population adherence to public authorities’ recommendations.
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23
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Patent V. Dysfunctional trusting and distrusting: Integrating trust and bias perspectives. JOURNAL OF TRUST RESEARCH 2022. [DOI: 10.1080/21515581.2022.2113887] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Volker Patent
- School of Psychology, Faculty of Arts and Social Science, The Open University, Milton Keynes, UK
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24
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Wang H, van Prooijen J. Stolen Elections: How Conspiracy Beliefs During the 2020 American Presidential Elections Changed over Time. APPLIED COGNITIVE PSYCHOLOGY 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/acp.3996] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Haiyan Wang
- Department of Experimental and Applied Psychology Faculty of Behavioural and Movement Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam The Netherlands
- The Netherlands Institute for the Study of Crime and Law Enforcement (NSCR)
| | - Jan‐Willem van Prooijen
- Department of Experimental and Applied Psychology Faculty of Behavioural and Movement Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam The Netherlands
- The Netherlands Institute for the Study of Crime and Law Enforcement (NSCR)
- Department of Criminal Law and Criminology Maastricht University
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25
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Gkinopoulos T, Mari S. How exposure to real conspiracy theories motivates collective action and political engagement? Τhe moderating role of primed victimhood and underlying emotional mechanisms in the case of 2018 bushfire in Attica. JOURNAL OF APPLIED SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY 2022. [DOI: 10.1111/jasp.12923] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Silvia Mari
- Department of Psychology Università degli Studi di Milano‐Bicocca Milan Italy
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Sirola A, Nuckols J, Nyrhinen J, Wilska TA. The use of the Dark Web as a COVID-19 information source: A three-country study. TECHNOLOGY IN SOCIETY 2022; 70:102012. [PMID: 35702316 PMCID: PMC9186528 DOI: 10.1016/j.techsoc.2022.102012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2022] [Revised: 05/31/2022] [Accepted: 06/06/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The Dark Web (i.e., the anonymous web or Darknet) contains potentially harmful COVID-19-related information and content such as conspiracy theories and forged certificates. The Dark Web may particularly attract individuals who are suspicious about the pandemic, but there is no research concerning the use of the Dark Web as a COVID-19 information source. In this study, we investigated the role of COVID-19 skepticism, online activities, and loneliness in the use of the Dark Web platforms as a COVID-19 information source. The data (N = 3000) were gathered in April 2021 from 18 to 75-year-old respondents from Finland (n = 1000), Sweden (n = 1000) and the United Kingdom (n = 1000). The respondents were asked how often they had utilized Dark Web platforms (for example via TOR-network) as a COVID-19 information source during the pandemic. Self-reported measures of institutional trust, anti-vaccine stances, restriction obedience, online activities, and loneliness were used as predictors in the logistic regression model. Age, gender, and education were also included in the model. The Dark Web use was more prevalent in the UK and Sweden. There was an association between anti-vaccine stances and active Dark Web use in the UK and Sweden, while low institutional trust predicted use among Finnish respondents. In all countries, restriction disobedience was related to Dark Web use as a COVID-19 information source. Frequent online gambling, increased social media use, and loneliness predicted Dark Web use, and these associations were even stronger among frequent Dark Web users than occasional users. Younger age and male gender were also associated with Dark Web use. The unregulated nature of the Dark Web makes it a risky alternative to COVID-19 information, attracting individuals who are suspicious about the pandemic and overall active online users. Misleading information and availability of forged certificates on the Dark Web challenge official health policies, posing significant risks for both individual and public health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anu Sirola
- Department of Social Sciences and Humanities, University of Jyväskylä, Finland
| | - Julia Nuckols
- Department of Social Sciences and Humanities, University of Jyväskylä, Finland
| | - Jussi Nyrhinen
- Faculty of Information Technology, University of Jyväskylä, Finland
| | - Terhi-Anna Wilska
- Department of Social Sciences and Humanities, University of Jyväskylä, Finland
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27
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How Social Identity Shapes Conspiratorial Belief. Curr Opin Psychol 2022; 47:101423. [DOI: 10.1016/j.copsyc.2022.101423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2022] [Revised: 06/30/2022] [Accepted: 07/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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28
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Pummerer L. Belief in Conspiracy Theories and Non-normative Behavior. Curr Opin Psychol 2022; 47:101394. [DOI: 10.1016/j.copsyc.2022.101394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2022] [Revised: 06/01/2022] [Accepted: 06/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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29
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Frenken M, Imhoff R. Don't trust anybody: Conspiracy mentality and the detection of facial trustworthiness cues. APPLIED COGNITIVE PSYCHOLOGY 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/acp.3955] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Marius Frenken
- Social and Legal Psychology Johannes Gutenberg‐University Mainz
| | - Roland Imhoff
- Social and Legal Psychology Johannes Gutenberg‐University Mainz
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30
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Martín-Sánchez M, Cáceres-Muñoz J, Flores-Rodríguez C. The Effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Educational Communities: Evidence of Early Childhood Education Students. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:4707. [PMID: 35457570 PMCID: PMC9025343 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19084707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2022] [Revised: 04/09/2022] [Accepted: 04/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
In the last two years, the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on schools and its consequences for the training of new teachers have been the subject of numerous studies. The pandemic has led to a change in schools and their functioning, as trainee teachers have had to be introduced to a new environment for which university training proved to be insufficient. The pandemic poses shared challenges in which future teachers must be present. The objective of this study is to assess the perception of students enrolled in Early Childhood Education courses at the University of Extremadura (Spain) regarding the impact relationships between the subjects and agents of the educational communities. In order to achieve this goal, we present a qualitative study with a phenomenological design. The results of this research show perceptions in line with what the scientific literature shows: a profound change in the relationships between the different agents. Communication increased, but pedagogical issues were displaced by concerns about the health emergency. This study concludes with the need to broaden the knowledge of future teachers about the administrative functioning of and their relationship with the school, as well as about new resources to address new challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miguel Martín-Sánchez
- Education Sciences Department, Teacher Training College, University of Extremadura, 10003 Cáceres, Spain; (J.C.-M.); (C.F.-R.)
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Murphy K, McCarthy M, Sargeant E, Williamson H. COVID-19 Conspiracies, Trust in Authorities, and Duty to Comply with Social Distancing Restrictions. INTERNATIONAL CRIMINOLOGY 2022. [PMCID: PMC8749112 DOI: 10.1007/s43576-021-00042-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
In 2020 governments worldwide implemented various laws and social distancing restrictions to contain the spread of the COVID-19 virus. At the same time, conspiracy theories emerged purporting that authorities were using the COVID-19 pandemic to permanently control or harm citizens. These conspiracies undermined government responses to the pandemic and in some cases elicited civil disobedience. Using survey data from 779 Australians collected eight months into the pandemic, we examined the relationship between conspiracy beliefs, trust in the government, and duty to comply with authorities during the COVID-19 pandemic. We also examined whether trust in government moderated the association between conspiracy beliefs and duty to comply. We found that those prone to conspiracy theory beliefs and who distrusted government were less likely to comply with authorities during the pandemic. We also found that trust in the government moderated the negative relationship between conspiracy beliefs and duty to comply; high trust served as a protective factor against conspiracy beliefs. Importantly, we found that how government actions were experienced and perceived during the pandemic were important correlates of Australians’ level of trust in the government. Our findings point to the importance of governments maintaining high trust in their efficacy and approach during a crisis.
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32
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Quandt T, Klapproth J, Frischlich L. Dark social media participation and well-being. Curr Opin Psychol 2021; 45:101284. [PMID: 35016088 DOI: 10.1016/j.copsyc.2021.11.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2021] [Revised: 11/15/2021] [Accepted: 11/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
In recent years, there have been increasing global concerns about the abuse of digital technologies for malicious 'dark participation', the spreading of digital offenses, hate speech, fake news, and conspiracy theories. Clearly, dark participation can have severe effects on the victims and on society at large. However, less is known about the impact of dark participation on the perpetrators' well-being. Preliminary research on the perpetrators indicates positive emotions and specific gratifications resulting from their behavior, in particular when it is fully consistent with their ideologies. Uncovering these gratifications-and the positive effects dark participation may have on perpetrators' well-being-could be the key to a better understanding of the dark side of social media.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thorsten Quandt
- Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität Münster, Münster, Germany.
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van Prooijen JW. Injustice Without Evidence: The Unique Role of Conspiracy Theories in Social Justice Research. SOCIAL JUSTICE RESEARCH 2021; 35:88-106. [PMID: 34602739 PMCID: PMC8477633 DOI: 10.1007/s11211-021-00376-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/23/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Conspiracy theories are widespread and have a profound impact on society. The present contribution proposes that conspiracy theories are explanatory narratives that necessarily contain justice judgments, as they include attributions of blame and accusations of unethical or criminal conduct. Conspiratorial narratives also are mental simulations, however, and may elicit genuine feelings of injustice also without evidence of actual malpractice. Indeed, conspiracy theories sometimes describe unfair events that are unlikely to have occurred, unethical authorities that might not actually exist, and so on. Here I propose two complementary processes that stimulate belief in evidence-free conspiracy theories: (1) Existential threats instigate biased mental processing and motivated reasoning, that jointly promote an alternative perception of reality; and (2) group allegiances shape how people perceive, interpret, and remember facts to highlight the immoral qualities of competing outgroups. Due to these processes, conspiracy theories elicit a set of distinct reactions such as poor health choices and rejection of science. Moreover, evidence-free conspiracy theories require interventions beyond traditional approaches to install justice principles, such as debunking falsehoods and reducing polarized intergroup distinctions. I conclude that the scientific study of conspiracy theories is part of, and has a unique place in, social justice research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan-Willem van Prooijen
- Department of Experimental and Applied Psychology, VU Amsterdam, van der Boechorststraat 7, 1081BT Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- The Netherlands Institute for the Study of Crime and Law Enforcement, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Criminal Law and Criminology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
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