People are drawn to conspiracy theories for a mix of psychological, social, and cultural reasons. Here are the main factors: 1. Need for Understanding and Control Conspiracy theories provide simple explanations for complex events. They give a sense of order and causality when people feel powerless or uncertain (e.g., during wars, pandemics, or political upheaval). Believing “someone is in control” (even a bad actor) can feel less frightening than pure randomness. 2. Emotional Appeal They trigger strong emotions like fear, anger, or excitement, which make them memorable and engaging. People often share them because the stories feel dramatic and sensational. 3. Identity and Belonging Conspiracy communities give a sense of belonging—believers feel like part of a group that “knows the hidden truth.” This reinforces an “us vs. them” mentality, which can strengthen group identity. 4. Distrust of Authorities When people don’t trust governments, media...