New research highlights spite as a motivator of conspiracy theory beliefs

New research highlights spite as a motivator of conspiracy theory beliefs

A new series of studies published in the Journal of Social Issues suggests that spite—a desire to harm others even at one’s own expense—may help explain why some people are drawn to conspiracy theories. The research, conducted by psychologists at Staffordshire University and the University of Birmingham, found that feelings of competitive disadvantage can trigger a spiteful mindset, which in turn makes people more receptive to conspiracy theorie…