Conspiracy Theories

I don’t understand conspiracy theories.

No, I take that back.

Academically, I understand them. Intellectually, they baffle me.

Conspiracy theories are so farfetched, ridiculous, baseless, and illogical, it is difficult to understand why otherwise educated and reasonable people believe them to the point that they will publicly defend them even as the conspiracy theories are convincingly debunked WITH EVIDENCE.

Yes, I know there is confirmation bias. A theory that aligns with their beliefs is more likely to be believed. It’s human nature. 

But what’s sad is that common sense completely goes out the window even if a conspiracy theory has been completely, utterly, and totally debunked. They would rather hold on to the sliver of untruth than consider the overwhelming amount of evidence.

No one likes to be proven wrong. That’s not the issue. It’s the refusal to engage intelligently and use critical thinking that makes me fear for humanity, and these are the people who are the most vocal and willing to commit crimes, even violence, to support their beliefs because they truly believe they are defending the truth.