Work

The role and influence of the conspiratorial narrative on the acceptance of conspiracy theories

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Conspiracy theories have received considerable attention in recent times.Some people consider them the best possible explanations for certain significant social events and believe them more than official reports or explanations.This article, therefore, examines the factors influencing the acceptance of conspiracy theories, paying particular attention to the conspiratorial narrative and the influence of information ambiguity on their acceptance.Based on theoretical foundations, it analyses the relationship between conspiratorial thinking, emotional factors and distrust of official sources, authorities and institutions.The results suggest that information ambiguity is not the primary factor influencing belief in conspiracy theories, but rather the personality predispositions of individuals, their perceived threat and the degree of scepticism towards official explanations of certain events.Conspiracy thinking appears to be a stable cognitive schema resistant to rational counterarguments and often supported by emotional and social factors.

Source: Journal of Entrepreneurship and Sustainability Issues

DOI: 10.9770/x8354649666

Authors: Radoslav Ivančík, Pavel Nečas

Institutions: Academy of the Police Force in Bratislava, Matej Bel University

Language: English

Topic: Misinformation and Its Impacts

Subfield: Sociology and Political Science

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $916

Funders: Agentúra na Podporu Výskumu a Vývoja, Vedecká Grantová Agentúra MŠVVaŠ SR a SAV