QED rewatch: The Psychology of Conspiracy Theories (2023)

Conspiracy theories have gained widespread popularity, attributing blame to governments, scientists, and others for a range of events, including virus outbreaks, terrorist acts, high-profile deaths, and even plane crashes. Surprisingly, millions of people subscribe to at least one conspiracy theory, raising questions about their appeal and potential harm. Are these beliefs merely harmless entertainment, or is there a deeper impact on society?

In this talk from QED 2023, Dr Daniel Jolley explored the psychology behind conspiracy theories. Drawing on his research, and demonstrated how any of us could find a conspiracy theory appealing under the right circumstances. Dr Jolley also discusses ongoing research efforts to develop tools to address the negative effects of conspiracy theories on individuals and society.

Tickets for QED 2024 are available now, priced £164 for the weekend, or just £45 for the live stream.