Down the Rabbit Hole: Inside the Mind of a Conspiracy Theorist

Welcome to Episode 19 of Mum, Dad's Got Another Tattoo! This week, we're tackling a massive topic: conspiracy theories.

Marc & Richard are joined by Dr. Ricky Green, a postdoctoral research associate from the University of Kent, specializing in the psychology of belief. No amateur hour here. We've got a real expert to help us understand why people believe in conspiracy theories.

Learn about the major CONSPIRACY_FX project investigating the real-world impact of theories on politics, vaccines, and climate change. 

https://research.kent.ac.uk/conspiracy-fx/

• What IS a Conspiracy Theory? Does JFK's assassination fit the bill? Aliens in Antarctica, Flat Earth, shapeshifting lizards.
• The Psychology of Belief: Dr. Green breaks down the core psychological needs that drive belief:
• Existential Needs: The desire for safety, security, and control in a chaotic world (hello, midlife crisis!).
• Social Needs: The craving for belonging and community (like the Flat Earth Society!)..
• Anxious Attachment & Catastrophizing: Discover how our childhood experiences can shape our vulnerability to misinformation.
• Blame Game: Bill Gates We discuss the curious case of figures like Bill Gates and Dr. Fauci – why do they constantly appear in conspiracy theories?
• Trust, Projection & Human Error: Is every accusation is a confession? Dishonest people may project their own willingness to conspire onto others.
• COVID-19: The Perfect Storm for Theories: The pandemic was a breeding ground for conspiracy theories
• Strategies for the Rabbit Hole (Can AI Help?): How do you talk to someone caught in a conspiracy theory? Current advice: don't argue, be understanding.

But can AI combat misinformation? We look at how AI tools are being used to debate believers, with surprising effectiveness.

• The "Kernel of Truth" Dilemma: What happens when a conspiracy theory (like the Wuhan lab) turns out to have a kernel of truth?
• Personal Susceptibility: Ricky's Achilles' Heel? Finally, we ask our expert: Is he immune? And does he have a favourite conspiracy theory he can't quite shake? (Spoiler: The Epstein files are very interesting...)

This episode offers unfiltered insight into the psychology of misinformation and human behaviour. A must-listen for anyone navigating the midlife crisis of understanding the modern world.

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