Are conspiracy theories harmful?

Rob (No)

As human beings, we’re constantly looking for answers to many things, and conspiracy theories try to fill in the blanks where there are none. They’re an outlet for human creativity and curiosity and can even serve as a baseline for scientific research into different questions. This could lead to innovation and new discoveries in various fields or draw attention to events or issues that have previously gone unnoticed.

These theories challenge the norm about what people generally accept as true, some of which are more harmful since people have their guard down and trust them with their lives. The COVID-19 vaccine scandal, for example, highlighted why conspiracy theories can help bring light to a problem by questioning what people blindly accept to be the truth. Without them, we would allow potentially harmful practices to continue for much longer. 

Even when they’re not trying to expose lies, conspiracy theories can still help broaden people's worldviews and introduce them to alternative possibilities and explanations for why things are the way they are. This fosters mutual respect between people on opposite sides of the coin by helping them understand each other’s points of view. Conspiracy theories also remind people in positions of authority that they’re under watchful eyes and that everything they do is being scrutinized. This encouraged accountability and transparency in the government.

The Washington Post estimates that almost 50% of Americans subscribe to some sort of conspiracy theory. That's not really a concern, however, since conspiracy theories are not beliefs and aren't nearly as harmful as we, especially mainstream media, portray them to be.

Dougie (Yes)

Conspiracy theories are as old as human history, and about half of Americans subscribe to at least one, including even educated individuals. It’s created obstacles to taking large-scale, evidence-based action against global issues like climate change. Whether widely believed or dismissed, the dangers of their high visibility shouldn’t be underestimated.

Philosophers suppose our actions are often motivated by fluid gut feelings rather than explicit beliefs and are heavily influenced by experience. Advertisements attempt to prompt emotional reactions in viewers in order to steer their behavior, for instance. So, when conspiracies gain public attention, misinformation can elicit anger and fuel strong emotional responses. 

Even those who don’t believe commonly stand alongside proponents who align with them on other topics, allowing it also to drive their behavior. The consequences can be extremely dangerous, especially in groups. The Capitol riot incident is a recently cited example of the potential adverse outcomes for both those who held the belief that the presidential election was rigged as well as their unconvinced allies.

Moreover, during the COVID-19 pandemic, some campaigned against the vaccine, circulating questionable information and disturbing imagery to support their distrust. In this case, abstaining from the nationwide medical advisory may have cost lives that would have otherwise been protected.

Conspiracies tend to promote a sense of anxiety, mistrust, or powerlessness, which is harmful to our health and linked to issues like depression, sleep problems, and substance abuse. Believers are less likely to use sunscreen, get a flu shot, or visit the dentist, putting themselves in danger. They also create risks for public health and safety. Conspiracies can provoke violence, extremism, discrimination, and prejudice in ways that interrupt and threaten a peaceful society.