Does Belief in Conspiracy Theories Affect Interpersonal Relationships?

Abstract

In recent years, researchers have begun to study the social consequences of conspiracy beliefs. However, little research has investigated the impact of conspiracy beliefs on interpersonal relationships. In this review, we draw attention to this issue by summarizing available empirical evidence and proposing potential social-psychological mechanisms to explain whether and why conspiracy theories affect interpersonal relationships. We firstly discuss that the attitude change that often accompanies the internalization of conspiracy beliefs might distance people’s opinions and, consequently, erode their relationships. Furthermore, we argue that the stigmatizing value of conspiracy theories can negatively affect the evaluation of conspiracy believers and discourage others from getting close to them. Finally, we consider that the misperception of social norms associated with the acceptance of certain conspiracy narratives can lead conspiracy believers to engage in non-normative behavior. Others are likely to perceive such behavior negatively, resulting in diminished interpersonal interaction. We highlight the need for further research to address these issues, as well as the potential factors that may prevent relationships being eroded by conspiracy beliefs.

Semantic and Causal Relations Between the Conspiracy Mentality and Belief in Conspiracy Theories

“…Are people less fearful of expressing these abstract sentiments (Lantian et al, 2018)? Are they less disruptive to relationships (Toribio-Florez et al, 2023)? And the pejorative labels “conspiracy theory” and “conspiracy theorist” less likely to be attached to these abstract statements and the people who express them (Douglas et al, 2022)?…”

The effectiveness of interventions addressing conspiracy beliefs: a meta-analysis

“…Other research avenues include using both self-reports and other sources (e.g., significant others or internet activities) to evaluate intervention effects, investigating whether reducing conspiracy beliefs has an impact on the assumed consequences of conspiracy beliefs (Hornsey et al, 2022;Sassenberg et al, 2023;Toribio-Flórez et al, 2023), conducting interventions in samples with very high levels of conspiracy beliefs, and conducting studies with children or adolescents whose developing minds (Byrnes & Dunbar, 2014) might be especially vulnerable to conspiracist ideas (e.g., superficial critical thinking).…”

Engaging with Conspiracy Believers

“…Conspiracy theories also appear to influence people without their knowledge (Douglas and Sutton 2008). Furthermore, there is growing concern that conspiracy beliefs can affect people's interpersonal relationships with close others who have fallen down the "rabbit hole" (Sutton and Douglas 2022;Toribio-Flórez et al 2023). Many people reach out for advice about their relationships that are being torn apart by conspiracy theories (Reddit n.d.).…”

“…This type of strategy could include a forewarning about how psychotic delusions or social exclusion can lead vulnerable individuals to seek comforting answers for their difficult circumstances (e.g., Poon et al 2020), and that awareness of this may reduce one's risk of endorsing false and harmful information. We hope that this review will also open up new avenues for research to assist people who are desperate for advice to help them understand and maintain their relationships with close others who have fallen down the "rabbit hole" of conspiracy theories (e.g., Sutton and Douglas 2022;Toribio-Flórez et al 2023).…”