Conspiracy Theories, Schizotypy, & Dark Triad Traits | What is a Conspiracist?

This video answers the questions: What is a conspiracist? Is there a relationship between belief in conspiracy theories, the Dark Triad Traits, and schizotypy?

There is no single agreed-upon definition for a conspiracy belief, which makes studying the phenomenon somewhat difficult. Here are two definitions that appear in the research?

1. The unnecessary assumption of conspiracy when other explanations are more probable.

2. An unverified and relatively implausible allegation of conspiracy, claiming that significant events are the result of a secret plot carried out by a preternaturally sinister and powerful group of people.

Over 50% of Americans believe in at least one conspiracy theory.

March E, Springer J (2019) Belief in conspiracy theories: The predictive role of schizotypy, Machiavellianism, and primary psychopathy. PLoS ONE 14(12): e0225964.

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[AnimalsMatterMorally]

" You can't have the lizards and humans both in control, right?" but why not, Dr. Grande, whyyyy notttt!! 😂😂😂

[natashamudford]

Who says lizards and evil people can't work together?

[amarok]

1984 was a warning, not an instruction manual

[MR-rkxj]

The problem with applying a term like "conspiracy theorist", as stated on this video, is that it literally doesn't mean anything.


To decide someone's belief in a conspiracy as being "irrational", or is not based on solid evidence, falls into the category of subjective interpretation most often. An observer who is analyzing someone's belief in a conspiracy would have to objectively gather evidence themselves, objectively decide if there is any merit to the theory, and then objectively decide if a conspiracy could possibly exist. This involves actual research, the ability to evaluate evidence and other research objectively (not everyone has these particular skills), and then decide if if the conspiracy is still "irrational"- which is still subjective. There is an enormous amount of self discipline involved in the process of investigating someone's conspiracy, and the individual conducting the investigation can easily contaminate their own investigation by things like: their own pride, pre-conceived notions, lack of ability to sift through information correctly, self desire etc.


The split between what is actually subjective and objective is also up to interpretation. There are many mysterious things in this world, and the most complex and mysterious of them all is no-doubt the human mind itself, which is why I enjoy this channel. The truth of anything is not at-all is not dependent upon any human mind understanding that truth. A person who believes in a seemingly bizarre conspiracy, but does not have the tools to properly explain their reasoning, does not negate the truth by their own shortcomings. A person's inability to properly analyze another person's conspiracy belief, neither proves or disproves the truth of anything by itself.


Most often, I see terms being applied such as "conspiracy theorist", as nothing but social leverage. It is an easy way to cause many people ignore a subject by playing on their desire to "fit in". The truth of anything is not dependent on anyone's abilities, beliefs, non-beliefs, understandings, mis-education or literally anything. Terms like "conspiracy theorist" or even "fake news" blur the line between truth, and the many inherent shortcomings of any human being.


I enjoy this channel because of it's rational insight. I spent 30 years of my life battling mental illness, and the last 3 years refusing any and all psychotropic medication. The last 3 years of my life have been the the healthiest I have ever been, and I am getting my mind back like I only dreamed was possible. Psychotropic drugs are probably the cause of many mental disorders themselves, but some would call that a conspiracy theory.

[scurvofpcp]

One thing that I do like about conspiracy theorists is that while they may take things to some odd places, they do make some insightful observations and occasionally bring up some concerns that should be given the light of day.

Like the whole Epstein thing, yeah we could just out and out call that a conspiracy theory but ya know, when looking at the evidence ...or conspicuous lack of evidence (the dog that did not bark, anyone?) it does seem kinda narrow to not at least consider the possibility that someone in a house full of murders somehow ended....murdered, especially when we add to it that there was some people of considerable power and means who would be greatly protected by his lack of testimony.

[vivekbit]

"Plotting to make ice cream more available right...."
Ya no there are vegan theories too lol. As milk is usually heavily subsidized.

[charliecharlton]

Thankful for this. I had a relationship with someone who turned out to be schizotypal. It was truly weird. He saw signs in everything and had wild imaginings that he believed in with great awe until he was assured they were not real.

[DefinitelyNotBender]

Wouldn't being purely conventionalist be unhealthy too? I would think some doubt would be more healthy than no doubt ever.

[janza]

Now they need a doctor to define conspyracies to dimish the events 🤦‍♀️

[PlanetDeLaTourette]

Mental disorder is the best cover a CIA can wish for.

[budawang]

I'm not convinced there is no link with narcissism. Surely you have to be quite arrogant and grandiose to dismiss the work of thousands of scientists on climate change for example. You have to believe that you have special insight which eludes all these experts. That sounds quite narcissistic. Sam Vaknin believes there is a link.

[x]

One thing I've found interesting in recent years is how drastically people's lives change when they laugh off & dismiss a conspiracy theory only to be confronted with irrefutable proof that it genuinely was & is true, the Bolshevik revolution for example

[jc]

Dr. Grande - a question if I may. What is the difference between belief in the supernatural and religious/spiritual beliefs? Are they all sort of related to magical thinking to that a higher power is on the side of the believer?

[PapaRadroach]

Thanks for all your videos, Dr. Grande! Can you do one on Bob Lazar - the physicist who claims to have worked at Area 51 S4? Would be really curious to see your opinion/analysis on that!

[justinmadrid]

Regarding your first 'factor'. A conspiracy is inherently 'nefarious'. A conspiracy is defined as a "secret plan to do something unlawful or harmful". I am not sure why you felt the need to point out that conspiracies are never innocent, as your first of three 'factors'.

Regarding your second 'factor': Obviously someone who believes a conspiracy theory believes that their explanation is the most logical. The same can be said for someone who believes a 'mainstream' narrative.

Also, the reason a disagreeable person is more likely to believe in a conspiracy theory, is because they are typically the only type of person who would actually be willing to look into them _with an open mind._ A more agreeable person will often not even imagine considering the _possibility_ that a conspiracy theory could possibly be true. For example, they might think, "There is no way the government or mainstream media would ever lie to me about a significant event."

'Odd thinking' and 'magical beliefs' type people are of course going to believe in anything that is seemingly bizarre or outlandish. You must be careful not lump all 'conspiracy theorists' in with them.

Believing in conspiracy theories is not demonstrated to have anything to do with "wanting to have control over what you believe." This is nothing but baseless speculation. In my opinion, I suspect that the people who say this are just trying to discredit 'conspiracy theorists', and/or trying to make themselves appear more reasonable and intellectually superior.

Allow me to explain the _real_ reason so many people believe in conspiracy theories. The reason is simple: Throughout history, there have been many "confirmed" conspiracies." The one that opened my eyes the most was Operation Northwoods.

This was when the CIA and the US military planned to board a commercial airplane with CIA agents, fly the plane below radar, swap it with an identical looking remotely controlled plane, then suicide plane, then falsely blame terrorists, in order to justify invading Cuba. The FBI would then step in and "verify" all of these false events.

A 'non-conspiracists' biggest flaw is simply discrediting 'conspiracy theorists' without actually hearing out their arguments in a good faith, charitable manner.

[GenesisConspiracy]

Most conspiracies have been proven true.

[Jwcounseling]

I have this disorder, however all my theories keep coming true. 😊

[debraanchante]

Dr. Grande, thank you for your videos. They are very helpful to people like me who are being abused by a narcissist/psychopath.. I have a real question. Is it possible for a narc/psycho to also be schizoid? My narc has a lot of those characteristics too. Just trying to know what exactly I am dealing with. I need help.

[annapomelo]

Dear Dr. Grande, can you share your thoughts about child abuse and child murder? I wonder what kind of people are doing this and why in many cases of child abuse human bite marks were found on the child`s body. It is so cruel and strange at the same time... Thank you!

[BooksAndShitButNotLiterally]

I see the lizard thing as a metaphor for psychopathy. It's pretty clear that psychopathic people tend to filter to the top of hierarchies.