Hi Robert!

Thank-you for drawing our attention to this quite mind-boggling website.

The latter 20th, and early 21st centuries have become the golden age of
conspiracy theories. Amazingly, research shows into this phenomenon has revealed
that the more wild, speculative - and quite frankly "paranoid!" - the theories
are, the more currency they achieve.

There was an interesting radio 4 science programme a few months ago which
analysed the "conspiracy theories" game - what factors drive it [in this
particular example, there is a clear financial motive - selling a range of
hugely expensive "survival manuals"] and what elements in the human psyche can
draw us towards non-factual wild-imaginings, over and above simpler, more
rational and more factual "stories" about, or "explanations" of, current events.

The internet has of course greatly facilitated these modern games of "Chinese
whispers" which are the new version of the old game of malicious
rumour-mongering, feeding on what seems to be a basic human appetite for
superstition and alarm.

One of the known fuels of the conspiracy theory phenomenon [and also for
paranoia, anxiety and depression] is LOW SELF-ESTEEM. One of the common pillars
of "false self-esteem", also known as "neurotic pride" [see
http://www.stress-counselling.co.uk/management/self-esteem.htm] is "comparison
with others". If this is a key way of supporting our sense of personal
confidence and value, then we may be tempted - at those times when our
self-esteem has fallen low - to "downgrade" [undermine] the efforts,
contributions and value of others, rather than to "upgrade" our own efforts and
contributions to the world.

Some conspiracy theories have become legendary, for example the story that NASA
faked the moon-landings. Most of us have minds that can more readily conceive of
[and have long experience of] a "staged space-travel play", than conceive of the
technological wizardry that can overcome the incredible challenges that
real-world space-travel poses.

Another of the explanations put forward for the vitality of fairly outrageous
conspiracy theories [the idea that WHO is secretly masterminding a pandemic for
military/industrial purposes will be classed as fairly outrageous by anyone even
vaguely familiar with the organisation and its personnel] is that we want to
find a story that legitimizes our current feeling experiences...

For example if we are holding feelings of insecurity, anxiety, anger,
helplessness or disempowerment, we prefer to have a focus and justification for
that, rather than have it as an unexplained phenomenon that could potentially
grow and overwhelm us. Having an explanation, no matter how bizarre and
threatening, can reduce anxiety via increasing our sense of control and helping
us to avoid any personal necessity, or responsibility, for decisions and
actions.

What do other CHEAL members think about this - now huge - growth in the
phenomenon of conspiracy theories?

Does it undermine our society? Does it undermine our peace of mind?

Is it a healthy "check and balance" challenge to powerful authorities and the
status quo?

Does it serve us, or does it help us to be self-serving in destructive or
addictive ways?

What is your view?

Mike