By Roy San Martin
Voters on the extreme left and right are far more likely to believe in conspiracy theories. Today, fake news and misinformation are spread easily through social media which makes conspiracy theories more widespread. About 50% of most Americans endorse at least one conspiracy theory. This is very troubling as it can create antisocial behavior, group hostility, and distrust of science and government. These beliefs may cause a manic scenario from a lackadaisical to a perfervid attitude toward politics.
Whenever threatening, high profile events take place, conspiracy theories offer an alternative to the official narrative. Many conspiracy theories quickly spread across the internet after the recent FBI raid at Mar-a-Lago. The Left are not immune with their illegal plot" for the appointment of Amy Coney Barrett to the Supreme Court or the illegitimate Supreme Court overturn "Roe v Wade ''.
Some far-fetched examples of past conspiracy theories have included: [1]. the CIA was behind the JFK assassination, [2].9-11 was an inside job or [3]. The lunar landing never happened.
Surprisingly, a large number of Americans have endorsed these. This negativity can affect one's train of thought when voting since it is usually hearsay and not facts.
Many sociologists feel that paranoia, distrust, and feeling of powerlessness plays a major role in shaping one's beliefs. Most people grasp some conspiracy theories as it offers a simple explanation as to the cause. However, more people with lower levels of education seem to grasp these theories more. Some people are more easily swayed by posts on social media and certain news reports. Sadly many news reports are commentary and opinion but not news.
As stated earlier, both parties embraced conspiracy theories. It seems that the party not in power is more distrusting and endorses conspiracy theories. When the Republicans were in power , the Democrats saw the travel ban as an affront against Muslims. They also saw Russian collusion as a major issue in the elections and policies. With the Democrats now in power, the Republicans embrace that Climate Change is a hoax to control us and the COVID vaccine has a chip to also control people's minds. Not all conspiracy theories are false as some have an "ounce of truth". We all need to do our research when we vote for a candidate. We must understand a candidate and not vote for them because they spout certain conspiracy theory rhetoric.