Falling into conspiracy theories is not a "problem of intelligence" — The key lies in the "sense of injustice" and "tolerance for ambiguity"

Are "People Who Believe in Conspiracy Theories" Information-Deficient?—Two Psychological Traits Preceding "Personality"

"The government is hiding the truth," "Someone is pulling the strings behind the scenes." Conspiracy theories that circulate repeatedly online are no longer just "peculiar theories of some people" but have become entities that influence societal decision-making and division. So why are people drawn to explanations with weak foundations?

On January 5, 2026, Phys.org introduced a study identifying psychological traits associated with a conspiracist mindset. The key points are surprisingly simple, with researchers strongly linking two traits: **"a sense of injustice (the feeling that the world is unfair)" and "low tolerance for ambiguity (a tendency to struggle with states that are not black and white)."** Phys.org

What the Study Examined: Focus on "Cover-up"

The study focused on the core idea within conspiracy theories—the belief in "cover-ups," that "organizations or governments are intentionally hiding the truth." The research team surveyed 253 people from multiple countries, asking them to agree or disagree with statements expressing suspicion towards politicians and government agencies (e.g., "Politicians don't reveal the true motives behind their decisions," "Government agencies are monitoring citizens"). Phys.org

In addition, they statistically examined 14 variables, including age and gender, to identify factors that could explain conspiratorial tendencies. Several significant factors emerged, with the article noting that "three standout factors explained about 20% of the tendency to believe in conspiracy theories." Phys.org

Trait 1: Those Less Tolerant of Ambiguity Find Solace in "Simplicity of Narratives"

The first key is low tolerance for ambiguity (TA). The more "gray" a situation is, the more anxious they become, struggling to cope with "coincidence," "complexity," and "unknowns." Phys.org

The strength of conspiracy theories lies precisely here. Real-world social issues are multifactorial, involve interests, and tend to have lengthy explanations. In contrast, conspiracy theories are usually brief: "There is a mastermind," "They are hiding something," "The media is complicit." They simplify complex matters into simple "plots," giving shape to unseen anxieties.

Moreover, this "simplicity" provides psychological comfort, separate from the accuracy of the information. The article also mentions that those less tolerant of ambiguity are more attracted to the "certainty-like" nature presented by conspiracy theories. Phys.org

Trait 2: A Strong Sense of Injustice Makes "Manipulation by Someone" More Acceptable

The second key is a sense of injustice. The stronger the feeling that "the world is not fair" or "things are set up for me (or my group) to lose," the more affinity there is for conspiratorial explanations, as the article introduces. Phys.org

What's important here is that conspiracy theories sometimes act as "salvation." When the world seems random and bad luck coincidentally accumulates, that explanation is tough for those involved. However, if they can believe "someone is pulling the strings," at least it makes "sense." An understandable enemy emerges, and the direction of anger becomes clear.

This psychology makes it difficult to dismiss conspiracy theories as "ridiculous delusions." For believers, conspiracy theories may not just be information but could serve as an emotional organizing tool.

Associated Trends: Correlation with Youth and Religiosity

The article further mentions that there is a correlation indicating that younger people and those with higher religiosity tend to have stronger conspiratorial tendencies. Phys.org

However, this is not a simplistic conclusion that "young people or believers are conspiracy theorists." It is merely a "statistical correlation," involving many backgrounds such as culture, politics, and community factors. What should be understood is that conspiracy theories are not "problems of specific attributes," but anyone can lean towards them if conditions align.

Simply "Presenting Facts" Can Be Counterproductive

The article from Phys.org delves further, suggesting that in addressing conspiracy theories, it is necessary to focus not only on presenting facts but also on dealing with uncertainty and caring for feelings of helplessness. Phys.org

"Correcting misinformation" is not enough. This is because the allure of conspiracy theories lies not only in the "content of the information" but also in "filling a psychological void."

A review study in psychology also organizes how conspiracy theories are linked to people's epistemic needs for certainty, existential needs for control and security, and **social needs for belonging and self-image**. PMC

Therefore, when addressing those drawn to conspiracy theories, it's crucial to present not only "correct information" but also how to "handle anxiety and anger" and "techniques for living with uncertainty" to make an impact.

Limitations: Sample Bias and Explanatory Power

On the other hand, the article also touches on the limitations of the study. The sample size was not large, and many participants were middle-aged, highly educated professionals. Phys.org

Furthermore, while "explaining about 20%" is mentioned, it also means that the majority of factors are different. Distrust in politics, social isolation, community pressure, algorithmic amplification... conspiracy theories are a complex issue with no single "culprit."

Nonetheless, the value of this study lies in reframing conspiracy theories not as an "intelligence issue" but as an issue of uncertainty and a sense of injustice. It shifts the ground of discussion from attack to understanding, from condemnation to design.

Reactions on Social Media: Patterns of Spread and "Typical Patterns"

At the time of publication, the article displayed "157 shares" and had comments on Phys.org (displayed as "Load comments (4)"). Phys.org

On the official LinkedIn post by Phys.org, "Like 3" is visible even without signing in. LinkedIn

On X (formerly Twitter), there was a related post from the Phys.org account, and at least "5 likes" were confirmed in the search results. X (formerly Twitter)

However, due to platform display restrictions, comprehensively checking all comments is difficult. Therefore, the following will organize "typical patterns of reactions on social media to this type of article" rather than "quoting actual individual posts" (all post examples are fictional).

Reaction Pattern 1: "Don't Pathologize Conspiracy Theorists"

• Post Example (Fictional): "Dismissing it as a 'trait' is condescending. There have been times when power lied in history."
  This reaction emerges from the fact that conspiracy theories sometimes connect with a sense of "power surveillance." Indeed, conspiracies are not zero in history. Therefore, saying "it's all misinformation" can easily provoke backlash.

Reaction Pattern 2: "I'm Scared It Might Apply to Me"

• Post Example (Fictional): "There are times when I want things black and white. Especially when I'm tired, I crave 'simple answers.'"
  The discussion of "tolerance for ambiguity" presented in the article resonates as a self-check. It has the power to shift the narrative from being about "someone distant" to "my own mental habits."

Reaction Pattern 3: "Countermeasures Should Focus on 'Emotional Care' Rather Than 'Facts'"

• Post Example (Fictional): "I agree that fact-checking alone isn't enough. We need measures that address feelings of helplessness."
  The direction proposed in the article, focusing on "dealing with uncertainty" and "addressing helplessness," is easily received in contexts of education, healthcare, and organizational communication. Phys.org

Reaction Pattern 4: "Touching on Youth and Religiosity is Risky"

• Post Example (Fictional): "It might be used to stereotype young people as conspiracy theorists."
  Topics showing correlation with attributes can easily catch fire when taken out of context. The "correlation" found in research can often be transformed into "stereotyping" on social media. It's necessary to include the context of the article (limitations, sample characteristics). Phys.org
  
  

What Can Be Concluded: Conspiracy Theories Are About "Handling Uncertainty," Not "Information Warfare"

Conspiracy theories are deeply connected not to intelligence but to how "anxiety" and "anger" are managed. When one cannot tolerate ambiguity, they jump to the "shortest explanation." When one feels unfairness, they desire a "mastermind." Phys.org

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