Believing in conspiracy theories isn’t just a random quirk; it often comes from specific personality traits and mindsets.

People who show an unusual pattern recognition ability, a need for uniqueness, or a high level of skepticism might find themselves drawn to these theories.

They aren’t necessarily irrational or illogical; they are often searching for answers in a world that feels chaotic or threatening. Understanding the psychology behind these tendencies is crucial.

It helps us to see these individuals not as “crazy” or “delusional,” but as people responding to their own inner workings and view of the world.

1) Overactive pattern recognition

People who believe in conspiracy theories often exhibit what psychologists call “overactive pattern recognition.” This trait can make everyday life a bit of a puzzle.

For example, if they hear two unrelated pieces of news on the same day, they might draw connections that simply aren’t there.

Like, if a celebrity gets sick and a new vaccine is announced, they might conclude one caused the other. It’s their mind’s way of making sense of information.

Believing in conspiracy theories isn’t a conscious choice but rather an instinctive mental process.

However, everyone’s pattern recognition varies, and being close to someone who sees hidden connections everywhere can pose unique challenges.

Understanding these challenges is easier when you know more about this common trait.

So let’s analyze why overactive pattern recognition often leads people to believe in conspiracy theories.

This understanding will help you empathize with their perspective without necessarily endorsing their beliefs.

2) Lower sense of control

Contrary to what you might assume, people who are drawn to conspiracy theories often have a lower sense of personal control.

This might seem strange, given their often confident assertions about hidden truths and secret plots.

In reality, believing in conspiracy theories can actually stem from feelings of powerlessness or uncertainty.

When the world feels chaotic or beyond their control, connecting the dots in unconventional ways can provide a sense of order and predictability.

This trait isn’t something they choose—it’s a psychological response to a perceived lack of control in their lives.

Everyone’s sense of control varies, and being close to someone who feels powerless can present its own challenges.

3) High need for uniqueness

Believers in conspiracy theories often have a strong desire to be different from others.

This desire isn’t a personal whim, it’s rooted in their personality. When people have a high need for uniqueness, they tend to reject mainstream explanations and embrace alternative viewpoints that set them apart.

Interestingly, this desire could be linked with the dopamine system in our brains, which rewards novel experiences and encourages exploration. For some, this could manifest as a fascination with unconventional theories.

Everyone’s need for uniqueness varies, and interacting with someone who places great value on being different can bring about its own set of challenges.

Knowing this can help facilitate conversations with empathy and respect, even if you don’t agree with their beliefs.

4) Fearful worldview

Many who are drawn to conspiracy theories hold a worldview tinged with fear.

This isn’t a judgment or a criticism—it’s an understanding that their world can feel like a scary place, filled with hidden dangers and unseen forces at work.

This fear isn’t about being paranoid or irrational. It’s about feeling vulnerable in an unpredictable world, and conspiracy theories can help make sense of that fear.

They provide an explanation, a reason for the inexplicable.

Everyone’s worldview is different, and being close to someone who sees the world through a fearful lens can be challenging.

5) Desire for certainty and consistency

Believers in conspiracy theories often have a strong desire for certainty and consistency. In a world that often feels chaotic and unpredictable, who can blame them?

This desire is an innate human trait. We all strive for stability and predictability in our lives.

For some, this might involve following a routine or having a trusted circle of friends. For others, it might mean finding certainty in alternative explanations that conspiracy theories provide.

While everyone’s desire for certainty varies, being close to someone who seeks consistency in unconventional ways can present unique challenges.

By understanding this trait, we can appreciate their need for certainty and may even find common ground.

After all, aren’t we all looking for some form of stability in this ever-changing world?

6) Selective skepticism

People inclined to believe in conspiracy theories often display selective skepticism.

They might question mainstream narratives while accepting alternative theories without much scrutiny.

I remember a friend who doubted the safety of vaccines because of some articles he read online, yet he readily accepted a theory about alien involvement in human evolution without asking for any evidence.

This trait isn’t about being gullible or naive. It’s about seeking information that aligns with their worldview and questioning what doesn’t.

Everyone’s level of skepticism varies, and being close to someone who is selectively skeptical can present unique challenges.

It reminds us that selective skepticism isn’t about intelligence, but about how we all have tendencies to accept information that aligns with our beliefs.

7) Resistance to change

People captivated by conspiracy theories often exhibit resistance to change. This doesn’t mean they’re stubborn or close-minded, but that they find comfort in the familiar and can be unsettled by the new or unexpected.

This resistance isn’t always ideal. It can create barriers to growth and make it difficult for them to accept new perspectives, even when presented with compelling evidence.

Everyone’s level of adaptability varies, and being close to someone resistant to change can be challenging.

Change can be hard for anyone, and patience is key when dealing with someone who finds it particularly challenging. 

8) Strong belief in personal freedom

People drawn to conspiracy theories often hold a strong belief in personal freedom.

They cherish their autonomy and can view any perceived intrusion on their liberties with suspicion.

This trait isn’t about being rebellious or anti-establishment. It’s about valuing one’s independence and resisting any perceived threats to it.

Everyone’s belief in personal freedom varies, and being close to someone who highly values their liberty can present unique challenges.

The key?

Understanding these traits isn’t about changing anyone’s beliefs, but about fostering empathy and respect.

By understanding where they’re coming from, we can communicate more effectively, bridge gaps, and nurture healthier relationships.

Final thoughts

It’s important to approach these traits with empathy.

While it can be frustrating to engage with beliefs that seem unfounded or extreme, recognizing the underlying reasons for these behaviors can pave the way for more meaningful conversations.

These traits do not define a person entirely. They offer insights into how some people cope with fear, uncertainty, and the need for control.

The more we understand, the better we can foster dialogue, challenge ideas respectfully, and perhaps even offer a different perspective.

After all, everyone is simply trying to make sense of the world in their own way.