Misplaced certainty in the context of conspiracy theories

We examine conspiracy beliefs in the context of misplaced certainty-certainty that is unsubstantiated by one's own or others' skepticism. A conspiracy theory held with misplaced certainty may entail, for instance, knowing or feeling certain that secret actors are plotting against society yet acknowledging that this claim lacks evidence or is opposed by most other people. Recent work on misplaced certainty suggests that misplaced certainty predicts and results in antisocial outcomes, including fanatical behavior in terms of aggression, determined ignorance, and adherence to extreme groups. Introducing the concept of misplaced certainty to theory and research on con-spiracy theories may help identify when and why conspiracy theories lead to deleterious behavioral outcomes.

Automated summary

This study examines conspiracy beliefs in the context of misplaced certainty, which predicts and results in antisocial outcomes. The introduction of the concept of misplaced certainty to conspiracy theories research helps identify when and why conspiracy theories lead to deleterious behavioral outcomes.