Conspiracy Theories: Evolved Functions and Psychological Mechanisms.

Jan-Willem van Prooijen, Mark van Vugt

November 2018

Synopsis of Social media discussions

The collective discussions show a strong consensus on the evolutionary basis of conspiracy beliefs, with references to the article by van Prooijen and van Vugt, phrases like 'baked into human nature,' and debates on adaptive versus maladaptive functions. The tone is mostly analytical and supportive, emphasizing the research's relevance and implications, which underscores high agreement and interest levels.

A
Agreement
 Strong agreement

Most discussions strongly support the idea that conspiracy beliefs are rooted in evolutionary psychology, showing agreement with assertions like 'conspiracy theories are baked into human nature' and referencing the article extensively.

I
Interest
 High level of interest

Participants demonstrate high curiosity and engagement, referencing multiple studies, offering summaries, and debating adaptive functions, indicating a genuine interest in understanding psychological mechanisms.

E
Engagement
 High engagement

Many comments delve into specifics, such as the social consequences of conspiracy beliefs and theoretical frameworks, reflecting deep intellectual engagement.

I
Impact
 Moderate level of impact

While the dialogue emphasizes the theoretical importance of understanding conspiracy psychology, actual practical or policy impacts are less direct, resulting in a moderate impact score.

Social Mentions

YouTube

3 Videos

Bluesky

6 Posts

Facebook

2 Posts

Twitter

91 Posts

Blogs

11 Articles

News

59 Articles

Reddit

2 Posts

Metrics

Video Views

1,625,874

Total Likes

42,801

Extended Reach

2,505,349

Social Features

174

Timeline: Posts about article

Top Social Media Posts

Posts referencing the article

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  • Dave@ French Polynesia
    @davemitten_once (Twitter)

    Belief in conspiracy theories—such as that the 9/11 terrorist attacks were an inside job or that the pharmaceutical industry deliberately spreads diseases—is a widespread and culturally universal phenomenon. https://t.co/WRqekBhjIf
    view full post

    October 7, 2025

  • Why is this happening
    @Casewithscience (Twitter)

    @redpillb0t https://t.co/jl2vW15MiQ
    view full post

    August 20, 2025

  • Spark ⛓️‍
    @hey-nunya-business.bsky.social (Bluesky)

    Conspiracy theories have 5 elements per van Proojien and van Vugt - citation for journal article provided. The problem is, the Epstien files don't hit the criterion. There are simply too many known facts in too many areas from Maxwells' trial. Yes, I could create a conspiracy theory about...
    view full post

    July 16, 2025

    1

  • Spark ⛓️‍
    @hey-nunya-business.bsky.social (Bluesky)

    1
    view full post

    July 12, 2025

    1

  • Spark ⛓️‍
    @hey-nunya-business.bsky.social (Bluesky)

    5
    view full post

    July 11, 2025

    6

  • Wall Street Butts
    @WallStButts (Twitter)

    @BfT_Garrett Conspiracy Theories: Evolved Functions and Psychological Mechanisms - Jan-Willem van Prooijen, Mark van Vugt, 2018 https://t.co/vTZnhuLQq2
    view full post

    June 23, 2025

  • Pat Sweeney
    @Resmach55 (Twitter)

    @Real_JaredMarsh @elonmusk Testing to see if this is readable, thanks. https://t.co/2FkDtCoFt5 https://t.co/CHhu9c2YbN
    view full post

    May 4, 2025

  • Classic Ducky™
    @plc.ducky.ws (Bluesky)

    This comment was wild, and the replies are genuinely hilarious. "Well get off your ass and go edit the article instead of complaining about it here."
    view full post

    April 26, 2025

    1

  • The Ducky™
    @ducky.ws (Bluesky)

    This comment was wild, and the replies are genuinely hilarious. "Well get off your ass and go edit the article instead of complaining about it here."
    view full post

    April 26, 2025

    1

  • エボサイ（EvoPsy）
    @selfcomestomine (Twitter)

    van Prooijen, J. W., & van Vugt, M. (2018). Conspiracy Theories: Evolved Functions and Psychological Mechanisms. Perspectives on psychological science : a journal of the Association for Psychological Science, 13(6), 770–788. https://t.co/nWKbYUNFHP
    view full post

    April 19, 2025

    1

  • Why is this happening
    @Casewithscience (Twitter)

    @StarrVerra @LillerikH @Apolitical3678 The reason you think the way you do
    view full post

    March 31, 2025

  • Why is this happening
    @Casewithscience (Twitter)

    @iluminatibot Conspiracy theories are baked into human nature. Read this article to understand why you are like this
    view full post

    March 30, 2025

  • Why is this happening
    @Casewithscience (Twitter)

    @Thedukeistheman @Jared53517086 @ZELLKLUMPEN Let me qualify. Humans believe murder of a related group is bad. The proclivity weakens in respect of "outsiders". See can Prooijen re conspiracy theorists, etc. https://t.co/xGSiOH1Rrj
    view full post

    February 6, 2025

  • Nat
    @teteisu.bsky.social (Bluesky)

    Sim, esses componentes existem. O que você descreve é mais ou menos o que artigos em psicologia falam de pessoas que acreditam em teorias conspiratórias. 10.1016/j.copsyc.2022.101352 10.1177/1745691618774270
    view full post

    November 6, 2024


  • @Saiji_Tv (Twitter)

    @XIIIAmadeus @DeBunKerEtoiles @2_expat Van Prooijen, J.-W., & Van Vugt, M. (2018). "Conspiracy theories: Evolved functions and psychological mechanisms." Perspectives on Psychological Science, 13(6), 770-788. 3
    view full post

    August 7, 2024

  • mo
    @molmollala88 (Twitter)

    RT @ShigekiKanamori: https://t.co/dWTWDsFYxj
    view full post

    July 3, 2024

    2

  • 金森重樹@ダイエットonlineサロン
    @ShigekiKanamori (Twitter)

    https://t.co/dWTWDsFYxj
    view full post

    July 3, 2024

    14

    2

  • hayaka maiko
    @aikonahaga (Twitter)

    RT @ShigekiKanamori: https://t.co/dWTWDsFqHL
    view full post

    July 1, 2024

    1

  • 金森重樹@ダイエットonlineサロン
    @ShigekiKanamori (Twitter)

    https://t.co/dWTWDsFqHL
    view full post

    July 1, 2024

    11

    1

  • 金森重樹@ダイエットonlineサロン
    @ShigekiKanamori (Twitter)

    https://t.co/yVpEWLTBo3
    view full post

    June 26, 2024

    11

  • 金森重樹@ダイエットonlineサロン
    @ShigekiKanamori (Twitter)

    @HbUsf1 https://t.co/yVpEWLTBo3
    view full post

    June 26, 2024

    1

  • 柵檻
    @SAKUOLI (Twitter)

    RT @uranus_2: 陰謀論の進化心理学。仲間内に危険人物がいるという昔の環境の中で形成された、陰謀を検出するシステムが我々の心の中に備わっているという説。Conspiracy Theories: Evolved Functions and Psychological M…
    view full post

    December 20, 2023

    12

  • Shiri Dori-Hacohen♿️
    @ShirKi (Twitter)

    RT @Tweeting_Aya: למעשה מתברר שהתכונה הזו יכולה להפריע יותר משהיא עוזרת בסביבות רוויות מידע המודרניות. במחקר המצוטט, מצאו זוג חוקרים הולנדי…
    view full post

    October 12, 2023

    2

  • Michael (Mike) Dahan (مايك دهان)
    @panopti (Twitter)

    RT @Tweeting_Aya: למעשה מתברר שהתכונה הזו יכולה להפריע יותר משהיא עוזרת בסביבות רוויות מידע המודרניות. במחקר המצוטט, מצאו זוג חוקרים הולנדי…
    view full post

    October 9, 2023

    2

  • Aya Yadlin
    @Tweeting_Aya (Twitter)

    למעשה מתברר שהתכונה הזו יכולה להפריע יותר משהיא עוזרת בסביבות רוויות מידע המודרניות. במחקר המצוטט, מצאו זוג חוקרים הולנדים שתהליכים פסיכולוגיים עתיקים אלו מתרגמים היטב לתיאוריות קונספירציה מסוכנות: אנחנו מחפשים דפוסים, עדיין מתאמצים לראות את הנמר בשיחים... https://t.co/8qNYZTvQO1
    view full post

    October 9, 2023

    4

    2

  • Hoa Paul Duong
    @EconMcCausland (Twitter)

    @TomPepinsky -- Conspiracy Theories: Evolved Functions and Psychological Mechanisms https://t.co/0Nq6zdYtPJ
    view full post

    September 28, 2023

  • TBorNOTtb
    @baloniusthunk (Twitter)

    @KafkaVoltaire @tiny_watermelon Another example - this time evolutionary psych perspective - adaptive vs maladaptive pattern recognition: https://t.co/yEcXaLA989
    view full post

    September 23, 2023

  • 柵檻
    @SAKUOLI (Twitter)

    RT @selfcomestomine: ホモサピエンスが陰謀をはたらくよう進化した動物ならば、それに相対する側（同じホモサピエンス）にも陰謀に対する防衛メカニズムが進化するのは当然だ。これが陰謀論にハマりやすい脳みそである(van Prooijen & van Vugt 20…
    view full post

    July 27, 2023

    10

  • (((Liz Ditz))). Mask up, y'all. Viruses are real.
    @lizditz (Twitter)

    RT @A_Marie_sci: @L_Cordonier @SinanAlper_ @Karen_Douglas @ValerioCapraro @Sacha_Altay @rolandimhoff @olivier_klein @wagneregger @twieguez…
    view full post

    May 25, 2023

  • Antoine Marie PhD
    @A_Marie_sci (Twitter)

    @L_Cordonier @SinanAlper_ @Karen_Douglas @ValerioCapraro @Sacha_Altay @rolandimhoff @olivier_klein @wagneregger @twieguez @KenzoNera @hugoreasoning @sylvaindelouvee @ngauvritparis Very cool. That CT belief increases in less trustworthy social enviros is exactly what adaptive approaches to CTs would predict: -you need to spot social threat more to not get f* https://t.co/Fva3dvQ58g -you should organise collect. to respond to it more https://t.co/iCFVcvfikZ
    view full post

    May 25, 2023

    2

  • Richard Harper
    @harpersnotes (Twitter)

    RT @harpersnotes: @EpektasisJohn @Inductivist Conspiracy Theories: Evolved Functions and Psychological Mechanisms. (PoPS 2018, van Prooijen…
    view full post

    April 19, 2023

    1

  • Richard Harper
    @harpersnotes (Twitter)

    @EpektasisJohn @Inductivist Conspiracy Theories: Evolved Functions and Psychological Mechanisms. (PoPS 2018, van Prooijen and van Vugt.) .. https://t.co/fIXVFDrTZT ..
    view full post

    April 19, 2023

    1

    1

  • Peter Maček
    @PeterMaek3 (Twitter)

    @SasoDolenc @RTV_Slovenija Televizijsko soočanje pristašev teorij zarote in nasprotnikov (znanstvenikov) je nesmiselno, ker gre za poseben psihološki profil tako zagovornikov kot gledalcev, ki jim argumenti ne pomenjijo veliko. Veliko je študij na to temo. https://t.co/Cs9EjL1yzC
    view full post

    February 23, 2023

  • Medical Xpress
    @physorg_health (Twitter)

    Young people may be more likely to believe in #conspiracytheories that deny #COVID facts: How to respond @ConversationEDU https://t.co/fxMzZtFg5x https://t.co/6kqD8xBAk9
    view full post

    September 16, 2022

  • Antoine Marie PhD
    @A_Marie_sci (Twitter)

    "Better be safe than sorry" kind of logic. https://t.co/pn7KvrLLFa https://t.co/Fva3dvQ58g
    view full post

    August 8, 2022

    6

  • Carol Percy
    @DrCarolPercy (Twitter)

    Conspiracy Theories: Evolved Functions and Psychological Mechanisms - Jan-Willem van Prooijen, Mark van Vugt, 2018 https://t.co/T8ocEuP1Zk
    view full post

    July 21, 2022

  • MartinGala
    @MartinG39205538 (Twitter)

    @vayaparidas @DelfinVela Es una buena pregunta: ¿Por que hay una falta de formación en ciencias a la vez que hay una necesidad de conocer? ¿necesidad de mantener una imagen propia adecuada y del grupos social? Hay estudios sobre los factores psicológicos y sociales que lo favorece https://t.co/D526hr5xj0
    view full post

    June 7, 2022

  • Psalm 104
    @Robert972 (Twitter)

    RT @WarWolf82521432: https://t.co/nqAtWJlhdb
    view full post

    May 25, 2022

    1

  • ISAFWarWolf
    @WarWolf82521432 (Twitter)

    https://t.co/nqAtWJlhdb
    view full post

    May 25, 2022

    1

    1

  • Vet Goed
    @VetGoed (Twitter)

    RT @evolvify: Evolutionary psychology support for the hypothesis that humans evolved a mental system to detect conspiracies that was shaped…
    view full post

    May 22, 2022

    1

  • Andrew
    @evolvify (Twitter)

    Evolutionary psychology support for the hypothesis that humans evolved a mental system to detect conspiracies that was shaped in an environment in which hostile coalitions—that is, conspiracies that truly existed—were a frequent cause of misery and death. https://t.co/Tww8fm40lv
    view full post

    May 17, 2022

    1

    1

  • デデン兄@ゆっくり解説動画☆日本は終了した
    @surakoku (Twitter)

    RT @surakoku: @masumi_dog_cat 「陰謀論がある理由は、認知のエラーではなく。実際に太古より人類は陰謀がいくつもあり、それらに警戒して対抗できたからこそ、陰謀を察知できる」という、進化心理学の学者による記事です。彼らはこの記事すら理解せずに「陰謀論だ！…
    view full post

    March 29, 2022

    1

  • デデン兄@ゆっくり解説動画☆日本は終了した
    @surakoku (Twitter)

    @masumi_dog_cat 「陰謀論がある理由は、認知のエラーではなく。実際に太古より人類は陰謀がいくつもあり、それらに警戒して対抗できたからこそ、陰謀を察知できる」という、進化心理学の学者による記事です。彼らはこの記事すら理解せずに「陰謀論だ！」とラベリングするバカです。https://t.co/5Zu1xZhovO
    view full post

    March 29, 2022

    1

    1

  • デデン兄@ゆっくり解説動画☆日本は終了した
    @surakoku (Twitter)

    RT @surakoku: @GMgreat1627 @starwarsfubuki @SmartpapaX @B5KMYOCESOjaGjC いやしくも「これは陰謀論だ」とラベリングするツイートにイイネやリツイートする暇があるのなら、ダーウィンの進化論に根差した生物学ロジック…
    view full post

    March 28, 2022

    1

  • デデン兄@ゆっくり解説動画☆日本は終了した
    @surakoku (Twitter)

    @GMgreat1627 @starwarsfubuki @SmartpapaX @B5KMYOCESOjaGjC いやしくも「これは陰謀論だ」とラベリングするツイートにイイネやリツイートする暇があるのなら、ダーウィンの進化論に根差した生物学ロジックで心理を解き明かす進化心理学の陰謀論考察記事くらい読みましょう。https://t.co/5Zu1xZhovO
    view full post

    March 28, 2022

    1

    1

  • デデン兄@ゆっくり解説動画☆日本は終了した
    @surakoku (Twitter)

    RT @surakoku: @SmartpapaX @B5KMYOCESOjaGjC いやしくも陰謀論を語るツイートにイイネやリツイートするのなら、ダーウィンの進化論に基づいた生物学的ロジックでホモ・サピエンスのメンタルを解明する進化心理学くらい学びましょう。https://t…
    view full post

    March 28, 2022

    1

  • デデン兄@ゆっくり解説動画☆日本は終了した
    @surakoku (Twitter)

    @SmartpapaX @B5KMYOCESOjaGjC いやしくも陰謀論を語るツイートにイイネやリツイートするのなら、ダーウィンの進化論に基づいた生物学的ロジックでホモ・サピエンスのメンタルを解明する進化心理学くらい学びましょう。https://t.co/5Zu1xZhovO
    view full post

    March 28, 2022

    1

    1

  • デデン兄@ゆっくり解説動画☆日本は終了した
    @surakoku (Twitter)

    RT @surakoku: @GMgreat1627 @SmartpapaX 「ドラゴンボールがドラクエにどう関係するか説明してw」レベルのツイにイイネとリツイしたのが賛意なら、もしやミーティアさんさんは進化心理学を学んだことがないのでしょうか？Jan-Willem van P…
    view full post

    March 28, 2022

    1

  • デデン兄@ゆっくり解説動画☆日本は終了した
    @surakoku (Twitter)

    @GMgreat1627 @SmartpapaX 「ドラゴンボールがドラクエにどう関係するか説明してw」レベルのツイにイイネとリツイしたのが賛意なら、もしやミーティアさんさんは進化心理学を学んだことがないのでしょうか？Jan-Willem van Prooijen、Mark van Vugt（2018）陰謀論：進化した機能と心理的メカニズムhttps://t.co/5Zu1xZhovO
    view full post

    March 28, 2022

    1

    1

  • mat marques, ph.d. ||| @fabiovelo@bsky.social
    @fabiovelo (Twitter)

    @SRHAstraea yes, I had the same thought. could it be that the AC hypothesis is really applicable only to a small number people/groups ? https://t.co/U9W249miMU https://t.co/AXYArVTIXc
    view full post

    February 21, 2022

  • Lynn Tramonte
    @tramontela (Twitter)

    @mjshally We need to understand the evolutionary impulse behind belief in conspiracy theories before we can have any effective plan to disrupt. https://t.co/55P8hCCinq
    view full post

    February 21, 2022

  • Lorenz Kolağası
    @lorenzkolagasi (Twitter)

    @TheRewiredSoul Apparently these guys have already thought what I've been thinking: https://t.co/iVC5THvlTT
    view full post

    January 2, 2022

  • @proudyorkist.bsky.social
    @GideonChilton (Twitter)

    @nomadalan @Unusual_Times @DesmondSwayne Really? You believe that? Do you see yourself in the piece below because you should do. https://t.co/RRh6Ya5QpA
    view full post

    December 15, 2021

  • @proudyorkist.bsky.social
    @GideonChilton (Twitter)

    @rob_easterby @johnandi @PUnited87 https://t.co/RRh6Ya5QpA By the way, there is no such thing as pure blood…
    view full post

    December 15, 2021

    1

  • Mike Abe
    @stains__ (Twitter)

    RT @selfcomestomine: ホモサピエンスが陰謀をはたらくよう進化した動物ならば、それに相対する側（同じホモサピエンス）にも陰謀に対する防衛メカニズムが進化するのは当然だ。これが陰謀論にハマりやすい脳みそである(van Prooijen & van Vugt 20…
    view full post

    August 13, 2021

    10

  • 原　拓史
    @haltaq (Twitter)

    RT @selfcomestomine: ホモサピエンスが陰謀をはたらくよう進化した動物ならば、それに相対する側（同じホモサピエンス）にも陰謀に対する防衛メカニズムが進化するのは当然だ。これが陰謀論にハマりやすい脳みそである(van Prooijen & van Vugt 20…
    view full post

    August 13, 2021

    10

  • エボサイ（EvoPsy）
    @selfcomestomine (Twitter)

    RT @selfcomestomine: ホモサピエンスが陰謀をはたらくよう進化した動物ならば、それに相対する側（同じホモサピエンス）にも陰謀に対する防衛メカニズムが進化するのは当然だ。これが陰謀論にハマりやすい脳みそである(van Prooijen & van Vugt 20…
    view full post

    August 13, 2021

    10

  • mat marques, ph.d. ||| @fabiovelo@bsky.social
    @fabiovelo (Twitter)

    @justice22 agree, it's pretty interesting stuff. I'm not a big evolutionary psych person, but know at least the concepts they are talking about make sense based on current/previous empirical work and theories e.g., see: https://t.co/1ROEw1py79 and https://t.co/H4lY9jKp8c
    view full post

    August 11, 2021

  • Antonella cammarano
    @antonellaverus (Twitter)

    RT @yadiluita: @JP_7_ Conspiracy Theories: Evolved Functions and Psychological Mechanisms. Estaba leyendo este artículo
    view full post

    July 31, 2021

    1

  • Mr. Chaos has arrived
    @yadiluita (Twitter)

    @JP_7_ Conspiracy Theories: Evolved Functions and Psychological Mechanisms. Estaba leyendo este artículo
    view full post

    July 31, 2021

    2

    1

  • ksg城@６４天安門事件
    @enihsoknes (Twitter)

    RT @selfcomestomine: ホモサピエンスが陰謀をはたらくよう進化した動物ならば、それに相対する側（同じホモサピエンス）にも陰謀に対する防衛メカニズムが進化するのは当然だ。これが陰謀論にハマりやすい脳みそである(van Prooijen & van Vugt 20…
    view full post

    July 1, 2021

    10

  • Kenta Fujii (ﾓﾁﾞｽﾞﾘ)
    @Shou4_Cao3 (Twitter)

    RT @selfcomestomine: ホモサピエンスが陰謀をはたらくよう進化した動物ならば、それに相対する側（同じホモサピエンス）にも陰謀に対する防衛メカニズムが進化するのは当然だ。これが陰謀論にハマりやすい脳みそである(van Prooijen & van Vugt 20…
    view full post

    June 30, 2021

    10

  • デデン兄@ゆっくり解説動画☆日本は終了した
    @surakoku (Twitter)

    RT @selfcomestomine: ホモサピエンスが陰謀をはたらくよう進化した動物ならば、それに相対する側（同じホモサピエンス）にも陰謀に対する防衛メカニズムが進化するのは当然だ。これが陰謀論にハマりやすい脳みそである(van Prooijen & van Vugt 20…
    view full post

    June 30, 2021

    10

  • Kasshini@なんでも垢 RiCE
    @Kasshini_Gnade (Twitter)

    RT @selfcomestomine: ホモサピエンスが陰謀をはたらくよう進化した動物ならば、それに相対する側（同じホモサピエンス）にも陰謀に対する防衛メカニズムが進化するのは当然だ。これが陰謀論にハマりやすい脳みそである(van Prooijen & van Vugt 20…
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    June 30, 2021

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  • エボサイ（EvoPsy）
    @selfcomestomine (Twitter)

    ホモサピエンスが陰謀をはたらくよう進化した動物ならば、それに相対する側（同じホモサピエンス）にも陰謀に対する防衛メカニズムが進化するのは当然だ。これが陰謀論にハマりやすい脳みそである(van Prooijen & van Vugt 2018)。https://t.co/fe33oPYzdU
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    June 30, 2021

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  • Adrian Wójcik
    @ADWojcik (Twitter)

    @Michal_Bilewicz @pia_lamberty @rolandimhoff @asbjorndyrendal @STWorg @Karen_Douglas In public discussions, I try not to focus on the individuals who believe in CTs but rather on their social consequences. CTs may be quite beneficial for individuals but problems arise when they are widely shared. I really like here vP/vV, approach. https://t.co/ca1hKqHj2K
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    June 6, 2021

  • 俺の観賞
    @oregakitaworld (Twitter)

    RT @selfcomestomine: Jan-Willem van Prooijen, Mark van Vugt (2018) Conspiracy Theories: Evolved Functions and Psychological Mechanisms http…
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    May 24, 2021

    2

  • エボサイ（EvoPsy）
    @selfcomestomine (Twitter)

    Jan-Willem van Prooijen, Mark van Vugt (2018) Conspiracy Theories: Evolved Functions and Psychological Mechanisms https://t.co/fe33oPYzdU
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    May 24, 2021

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  • Megan Fritts
    @freganmitts (Twitter)

    @josh_philosophy Conspiracy theorizing was actually probably an evolutionary adaptation that aided survival! Around since forever. Just read a cool paper on this if you’re interested: https://t.co/iHmPtpTWk4
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    March 14, 2021

    1

  • Ok,Yea
    @OkYea6 (Twitter)

    @kellybroganmd https://t.co/N3uGUXIRwA
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    March 6, 2021

  • Vincent Tijms
    @vtijms (Twitter)

    Als ik @markvanvugt1 hier goed begrijp, is een goed recept tegen complotdenkers om je als vermeend samenzweerder incompetent voor te doen. uit: https://t.co/9INP9e1wo9 https://t.co/N9L3cHUaej
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    February 15, 2021

    1

  • Ralph Campbell
    @Homiletician (Twitter)

    @Daibh_Mac @scott_m_coley Hey David, sorry so late in responding...you know how pastoral duties are
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    February 4, 2021

    1

  • ksg城@６４天安門事件
    @enihsoknes (Twitter)

    RT @Sapiensism: 「ヒトの陰謀論的思考は、何らかの政治的連合による攻撃や搾取のリスクが高まることを示唆するキューによってトリガーを引かれる。…つまり、陰謀を疑うことで、初期の人類は再生産のための資源をめぐる競争において優位に立つことができたのである」https:/…
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    January 4, 2021

    2

  • 黒猫使いの鈴木（剛腕のフリーレン）
    @kuronekomasters (Twitter)

    RT @Sapiensism: 「ヒトの陰謀論的思考は、何らかの政治的連合による攻撃や搾取のリスクが高まることを示唆するキューによってトリガーを引かれる。…つまり、陰謀を疑うことで、初期の人類は再生産のための資源をめぐる競争において優位に立つことができたのである」https:/…
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    January 4, 2021

    2

  • サピエンスの生態観察
    @Sapiensism (Twitter)

    「ヒトの陰謀論的思考は、何らかの政治的連合による攻撃や搾取のリスクが高まることを示唆するキューによってトリガーを引かれる。…つまり、陰謀を疑うことで、初期の人類は再生産のための資源をめぐる競争において優位に立つことができたのである」https://t.co/gkM2CYdvjC
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    January 4, 2021

    26

    2

  • Dr Maria Kordowicz
    @MariaKordowicz (Twitter)

    Conspiracy Theories: Evolved Functions and Psychological Mechanisms - Jan-Willem van Prooijen, Mark van Vugt, 2018 https://t.co/KcXiXcEAsR
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    December 3, 2020

  • サピエンスの生態観察
    @Sapiensism (Twitter)

    van Prooijen, J.-W., & van Vugt, M. (2018 ). Conspiracy theories: Evolved functions and psychological mechanisms. https://t.co/5X3TRYGDiN
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    October 15, 2020

    6

  • Hirotaka Imada
    @Hiro_IMADA (Twitter)

    Conspiracy Theories: Evolved Functions and Psychological Mechanisms - Jan-Willem van Prooijen, Mark van Vugt, 2018 https://t.co/4whyjyE2B3
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    August 12, 2020

  • James A. Lewis
    @james_a_lewis (Twitter)

    Evolution strikes again: "Conspiracy Theories: Evolved Functions and Psychological Mechanisms" "conspiracy beliefs [are] a psychological adaptation to deal with recurrent dangers [from] human evolutionary history." https://t.co/o1ECEGMYH9.
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    August 3, 2020

    1

    1

  • mat marques, ph.d. ||| @fabiovelo@bsky.social
    @fabiovelo (Twitter)

    @SRHAstraea @emmahudsondoyle @andrealala89 @Adamdbulley @Lynne_Kelly @SuttonProfessor @DorsaAmir @salonium @Kelly_Kirkland_ @flxsosa @lingtax @rachelz @sampendu ahh I see. yes, loads of people trying to make sense of certain actions and decisions here as well. suspect you're onto something. also, why not entertain yourself with this read: https://t.co/U9W24949yM
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    June 17, 2020

    2

  • Babken Matevosyan
    @BabkenArm (Twitter)

    On 'adaptive conspiracism hypothesis' https://t.co/J3D9Oi8iX9
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    May 12, 2020

  • Proyección Acimutal Equidistante
    @Proyeccion_1 (Twitter)

    NOTA 13: “Conspiracy Theories: Evolved Functions and Psychological Mechanisms”. https://t.co/HbD11F72LH
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    April 24, 2020

  • B. Robbins
    @skokie1980 (Twitter)

    @kenschenck Check out the journal article ‘Conspiracy Theories: Evolved Functions and Psychological Mechanisms’ by Prooijen
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    December 10, 2019

    1

  • t_f
    @tf44029245 (Twitter)

    RT @uranus_2: 陰謀論の進化心理学。仲間内に危険人物がいるという昔の環境の中で形成された、陰謀を検出するシステムが我々の心の中に備わっているという説。Conspiracy Theories: Evolved Functions and Psychological M…
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    August 31, 2019

    12

  • エボサイ（EvoPsy）
    @selfcomestomine (Twitter)

    RT @uranus_2: 陰謀論の進化心理学。仲間内に危険人物がいるという昔の環境の中で形成された、陰謀を検出するシステムが我々の心の中に備わっているという説。Conspiracy Theories: Evolved Functions and Psychological M…
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    August 30, 2019

    12

  • Art Kilner
    @RamblingAK (Twitter)

    @UsesSimpleTools @BlackGuyforTru1 @ScottAdamsSays @realDonaldTrump Here's a "peer-reviewed", non-paywalled, recent article demonstrating how seeing "conspiracies" is adaptive: https://t.co/LtkFh7gK3r "Conspiracy Theories: Evolved Functions and Psychological Mechanisms" It's deficient, however,... 1/3 https://t.co/OX2V193OQ1
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    August 10, 2019

  • パース
    @Peirce39 (Twitter)

    RT @uranus_2: 陰謀論の進化心理学。仲間内に危険人物がいるという昔の環境の中で形成された、陰謀を検出するシステムが我々の心の中に備わっているという説。Conspiracy Theories: Evolved Functions and Psychological M…
    view full post

    July 15, 2019

    12

  • Okajima, S.
    @okajima3 (Twitter)

    RT @uranus_2: 陰謀論の進化心理学。仲間内に危険人物がいるという昔の環境の中で形成された、陰謀を検出するシステムが我々の心の中に備わっているという説。Conspiracy Theories: Evolved Functions and Psychological M…
    view full post

    July 13, 2019

    12

  • Yuuko Morimoto
    @myuuko (Twitter)

    RT @uranus_2: 陰謀論の進化心理学。仲間内に危険人物がいるという昔の環境の中で形成された、陰謀を検出するシステムが我々の心の中に備わっているという説。Conspiracy Theories: Evolved Functions and Psychological M…
    view full post

    July 12, 2019

    12

  • Jun
    @jun_10_24 (Twitter)

    RT @uranus_2: 陰謀論の進化心理学。仲間内に危険人物がいるという昔の環境の中で形成された、陰謀を検出するシステムが我々の心の中に備わっているという説。Conspiracy Theories: Evolved Functions and Psychological M…
    view full post

    July 12, 2019

    12

  • マーキュリー２世
    @uranus_2 (Twitter)

    陰謀論の進化心理学。仲間内に危険人物がいるという昔の環境の中で形成された、陰謀を検出するシステムが我々の心の中に備わっているという説。Conspiracy Theories: Evolved Functions and Psychological Mechanisms https://t.co/3VddlcAizu
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    July 12, 2019

    30

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  • Rob Sica
    @robsica (Twitter)

    Perhaps related, @markvanvugt1's "Conspiracy Theories: Evolved Functions and Psychological Mechanisms" (https://t.co/hlWwDvjkyP)... https://t.co/NRPJq5DPbs
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    July 2, 2019

    3

  • mat marques, ph.d. ||| @fabiovelo@bsky.social
    @fabiovelo (Twitter)

    @The_Wolf71 @ButteredFrog @CyclingCentral yup - some in the research refer to conspiracy theories as cheater detection, and would argue there's an evolutionary basis for it given our need to work out who to trust/not. unsure if you can access this https://t.co/H4lY9jKp8c
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    June 20, 2019

    2

  • franciscocanont@gmai
    @PACHOPA14 (Twitter)

    RT @DanielMejiaL: Conspiracy Theories: Evolved Functions and Psychological Mechanisms - Para nuestros ancestros, una estrategia adaptativa…
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    March 24, 2019

    2

  • Hernando Jose Gomez
    @hdojgomez (Twitter)

    RT @DanielMejiaL: Conspiracy Theories: Evolved Functions and Psychological Mechanisms - Para nuestros ancestros, una estrategia adaptativa…
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    March 24, 2019

    2

  • Daniel Mejia
    @DanielMejiaL (Twitter)

    Conspiracy Theories: Evolved Functions and Psychological Mechanisms - Para nuestros ancestros, una estrategia adaptativa dominante pudo ser sospechar mucho de los posibles grupos que los atacaban: Mejor la seguridad (y la paranoia) que el arrepentimiento. https://t.co/9kTPLd9EDP https://t.co/CHW9NHh3w2
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    March 24, 2019

    3

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  • Philosophical14God
    @God14Peace (Twitter)

    Mark van Vugt | Experimental and Applied Psychology https://t.co/diTmEdyVuC › staff-members › mark-v...  JW van Prooijen & M Van Vugt (2018) Conspiracy theories: Evolved functions and psychological mechanisms. Perspectives on .
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    February 3, 2019

Abstract Synopsis

  • People believe in conspiracy theories across different cultures because these beliefs may stem from innate psychological mechanisms that evolved to detect threats like dangerous groups or conspiracies.
  • There are two main ideas about why these beliefs exist: one suggests they are byproducts of general mental processes like pattern recognition, and the other proposes they are part of a specialized evolved mechanism for detecting harmful coalitions.
  • The theory supports the idea that humans developed an internal system during ancestral times to identify and respond to actual threats from hostile groups, which now influences modern beliefs in conspiracy theories.]