• Conspiracy theories can be divided into two types: those that are used to explain away anomalies in a narrative, and those that are used to explain away emotions.
• The first type of conspiracy theory is often used to explain away anomalies in a narrative, such as the bullet trajectory in the Kennedy assassination or the Great Pyramid’s latitude matching the speed of light.
• The second type of conspiracy theory is often used to explain away emotions, such as hatred of the global elite or anger at a partner.
• These conspiracy theories are often driven by emotions such as anxiety, depression, and anger, which can lead to biased processing of information.
• In the case of Trump-Russiagate, the conspiracy theory was appealing because it provided a single, irrefutable reason to hate Trump.
• In the case of the Global Adrenochrome Pedophile Cabal, the conspiracy theory was appealing because it provided a way to justify intense antipathy towards the global elite.
Published January 13, 2023. Visit Astral Codex Ten to read Scott Alexander’s original post.
