Conspiracy theories: why people need to believe that the truth is hidden out there

Psychologist Rob Bretherton talks about his new book and the way suspicion can overcome rationality

There is not so much of a difference between conspiracy theorists and the rest of us. We are drawn to the idea of conspiracy because it resonates with us; we understand the idea of people being self-interested and not having our best interests at heart, and having hidden motives and getting together to do shady stuff. Conspiracy theories extend upon that and tap into these assumptions and fears we have about the world. But we all have them, that's why conspiracy theories make sense to us all.

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