Conspiracy theories have long been dismissed as mere oddities, but a new wave of sociological research is taking a more nuanced approach. Rather than solely focusing on the correctness of these theories, scholars are examining the roots of the distrust that fuels them.

In the 1990s, the allure of shows like The X-Files captivated a young Jaron Harambam, who later encountered conspiracy theories again during the financial crisis. A friend's recommendation led him to Peter Joseph’s Zeitgeist documentaries, which delve into conspiratorial narratives surrounding religion, the 9/11 attacks, and the banking system. Harambam became particularly intrigued by the latter and sought to understand why such narratives were largely absent from mainstream discourse. His quest culminated in attending a gathering in Amsterdam, solidifying his focus on conspiracy theorists as the subject of his PhD research at Erasmus University.

Historically, researchers viewed conspiracy theorists as aberrations, often linking their beliefs to mental health issues like schizophrenia. Their work typically centered on extreme believers espousing outlandish ideas, operating under the assumption that widespread acceptance of conspiracy theories could threaten societal cohesion. However, Harambam and his contemporaries adopt a more empathetic stance, treating conspiracy theories as social phenomena that reveal underlying societal issues.

To conduct his research, Harambam employed an immersive method, engaging daily with popular Dutch conspiracy websites and attending various meetings to foster dialogue. Initially, he faced skepticism from many conspiracy theorists, who were wary of academic intentions. Gaining their trust required time and effort, particularly when he attended a lecture by British conspiracy theorist David Icke, known for his claims about reptilian overlords.

As he navigated this community, Harambam discovered a diverse array of individuals united by a common thread: a belief that reality deviates from the official narrative. In the U.S., a significant portion of the populace subscribes to various conspiracy theories, including the notion that a powerful elite is manipulating global events.

Within the conspiracy theorist community, Harambam identified distinct categories of believers. Some sought alternative facts, while others viewed knowledge as inherently subjective. He noted that contemporary conspiracy theories often critique established power structures, rather than targeting external entities. Many theories reflect a broader decline in trust towards political institutions and experts.

The theories themselves are not inherently anti-capitalist; instead, they focus on perceived abuses of power. This phenomenon correlates with a growing skepticism of traditional institutions, as individuals often resonate with conspiracy narratives that echo their own lived experiences.

The process of converting from a skeptic to a conspiracy believer can be influenced by personal experiences and societal events. Harambam shares the story of a mother whose child experienced adverse effects after vaccinations, leading her to question the motives of pharmaceutical companies. Similarly, media producer Guilly Koster became aware of conspiracies through his own experiences in the industry, where he felt marginalized due to his background.

As Harambam delved deeper into his research, he found himself resonating with some of the conspiracy theorists' perspectives, particularly regarding the financial sector's opaque practices. His research did not aim to validate these theories but to understand the motivations behind them.

Brecht Decoene, a moral philosopher, cautions that engaging with conspiracy theories requires preparedness, as unprepared discussions can inadvertently validate their claims. He emphasizes the need for critical thinking to navigate the complex narratives presented by conspiracy theorists.

Many conspiracy theorists express disdain for mainstream media, viewing it as complicit in broader conspiracies or too complacent to challenge the status quo. Harambam recognized that this distrust could lead to a pervasive sense of paranoia, mirroring his own experiences during his research.

Notably, Harambam’s findings align with safety researcher Jelle van Buuren’s conclusions that conspiracy beliefs often stem from legitimate grievances. Van Buuren posits that these beliefs serve as signals of societal discontent, urging a deeper examination of the underlying issues driving distrust.

Ultimately, Harambam concludes that the appeal of conspiracy theories lies in their ability to weave together personal narratives, cultural traditions, and pseudo-scientific explanations. They offer a thrilling escape from reality, blurring the lines between fact and fiction, providing both entertainment and a means to grapple with complex societal dynamics.

This piece was originally published in Dutch in EOS Magazine 20–2–2018.