Is the belief in conspiracy theories really just a sign of mental illness.

Well, thats how the stalinists did it
You were insane if you disagreed with the state

33 conspiracy theories that turned out to be true ( not counting pending theories, LOL )
pragmaticwitness.com...

of course according to the Osers believing in the truth is proof you are insane, just like defending yourself against zionists proves you are guilty

ps Like the philandering husband said to his long suffering wife when caught red handed:
"Who ya gonna believe? ME? or your LYING eyes?

What does it mean to be a conspiracy theorist?

What does it mean to be mentally ill?

What does it mean to be a terrorist?

What does it mean to be a freedom fighter (don't talk about those much anymore)?

Now, who qualifies?

The important question imo: Why do people not realize that these stereotypes are as absurd as those created by eugenicists and racists?

I guess all investigative journalists/conspiracy theorists are mentally ill. 400 mg Depakote.

(continued)

The same can be said for "Conspiracy theories".
It's easier, in many ways, to think that we can connect the dots and understand the random... but we refuse to understand what the random really is.

I don't have "bad luck" because I walked under a ladder or broke a mirror. in fact, i don't have any "luck" at all because there is no such thing.
I'm not a good person because religion tells me to be or because I will be promised some reward in the "afterlife" (heaven, 72 virgins, what have you.)
I'm a good person because that is who i am. I choose to be.That shouldn't need rewarding.
But back to the question at hand:
Believing in "Conspiracy theories" can most definitely be a sign of mental illness.
I think it's a opretty good indicator in fact.

Now, before i go on i want to make something clear: I do believe that there are conspiracies out there, whether they be governmental, corporate, or personal. That, obviously, goes without saying. Conspiracies are happening all of the time. It's a fact of life. Politicians conspire against the people (and nations, other governments, etc.) more than they don't. Abraham Lincoln was killed because of a conspiracy between John Wilkes Booth and his cohorts, many Fortune 500 companies have perpetrated conspiracies in order to gain more wealth and destroy their competition. Hell, WE conspire in our everyday lives with friends or family. (Not all conspiracies are necessarily evil or even bad. I could conspire with friends to throw a surprise birthday party.). My point is this: Conspiracy, and by default, Conspiracy theories do exist.
Like-minded people working to uncover a conspiracy is a noble thing and those people should be applauded. That is one of the reasons I DO come to ATS, because there are people "fighting the good fight" here.
However, and as I said before, those people are outnumbered 100 to 1 (and that's being conservative).

What I do think is that there are many people who believe in "Conspiracy theories" who are completely and utterly insane.
These are the people making definitive statements about Ghosts, Demons, Angels The Government Aliens, etc without a single tie to fact or the truth. These are the people willing to believe anything you tell them as long as it is inline with their "beliefs" (beliefs, here, being nearly everything divine, otherworldly, secretive, evil, et al).
They think that these "Conspiracy theories" are all true and, having that belief, are then willing to accept more and more outlandish, in-provable, false, phony, superstitious, silly, and plain crazy ideas.
These are people who will tell you how aliens, bigfoot, angels, MiB, etc work. "Oh, Sasquatch have reddish-brown fur." "Gray Aliens have large , almond shaped eyes and big heads.." "The Men in black drive black Cadillacs and have vaguely Asian features." "Ghosts are the departed souls of the dead." "The Orbs in this photograph are the spirits floating around this haunted hospital" "The government has a secret base here and a massive systems of underground trains." and so on and so on.
They make these statements as if they are facts... as if they are true.
THAT is insane.
If someone tells me they saw a UFO I'd ask them about it, but i wouldn't then say, "Well, UFOs are real and flown by little big-eyed aliens.". Or, if I saw a ghost I wouldn't say "That is the soul of a dead person.". There is now way of KNOWING that.
What I want is the THEORY part of "Conspiracy theory" to be stressed.
These are IDEAS...possibilities... But they are NOT facts.
What frightens me is the beliefs of people like this. They are dangerous.
ATS' motto is "Deny Ignorance" yet it's very trade is in that ignorance.
In many ways they nurture it. I understand that from a business perspective, but from a humanistic Point of View it's scary.

I used to work in the juvenile justice system as an advocate and caseworker in a lock-up facility (Teenagers serving sentences. Think Juvenile hall.) In 2011 I had one of the inmates, a girl, come up to me scared out of her mind. She hadn't been sleeping and was having nightmares when she did... Why was that? Because she had heard that - and i quote - "The Mayans are coming in 2012 to kill everyone. It's the end of the World!"
I had to spend the next 45 minutes explaining to her that it wasn't true, explaining what it meant, and explaining that you can't just believe any nonsense you hear.
Though she had the story a bit confused, she was legitimately scared for her life because of the insane ramblings of other "conspiracy theorists" and the rubbish they were (and still are) going on about.
That is where the real danger lies. As I said we, as a species, are a surprisingly superstitious and vehemently oppositional to reality (as evidenced by religion).
The spreading of "conspiracy" as fact makes us all the less for it. But that doesn't stop people from doing it.
Today, alone, on ATS will be hundreds of posts/replies that are nothing more than..(to be continued)

reply to post by ibiubu

Yah, but don't people cry on here all the time about Kim Un and how crazy he is for conspiring against... US? How about Assad? And Ahmadinejad. Thats the conspiracy the US Media wants us to believe, right? Those stories aren't "theory" but really, really conspiring against "US interests"?

No... But more and more I think the opposite is true. People who can't see these conspiracy FACTS that are in plain sight for the world to view, may be mentaly ill. Delusional at best.

(2nd continuation)

....the words of the mentally ill.

I'm sorry to have written so much, but had the OP not started this thread i probably would have.
It's part of why i didn't and then DID join ATS.

As i said, i enjoy this site and I learn many new and interesting things from it, but at the same time I am repulsed by it and it's encouraging attitude toward the mentally ill and their insanity.
It provides a platform for them to disseminate their insanity, which is then picked up and encouraged by others with similar afflictions.

The secret to this site (and others like it, or Coast to coast AM, or wherever it is you hear this particular brand of NUTS) is to take EVERYTHING with a grain of salt and to do your own research.
One MUST check sources, read reports, and, as any rational, thinking person would do, search for the truth.

It's ironic that so many people who follow "Conspiracy theories" are so adamantly opposed to believing what they are told by the media or by authorities, but are more than willing to believe that which cannot be proved.
Yes, we are routinely lied to, but that doesn't mean that something you read on ATS is the truth either.
It's ok to THEORIZE or come out with explanations for things. That is a wonderful thing... but you can't then say those things are FACT without proof.
There very well may be Aliens visiting Earth, but that is about as far as you can go on that topic FACTUALLY.
People have reported seeing UFOs or Aliens,ubt those are unsubstantiated. You can discuss it all you want, but you can't make definitive statements.
It's those people making the definitive Statements that are the ones with potential mental illnesses.
There is a world of difference between saying "I believe there MAY be extraterrestrials visitng Earth." and "There ARE extraterrestrials visiting Earth".

The X Files motto "I want to believe" is a dangerous and foolish saying if not heeded in the right way.
I want to believe, but won't do so out of hand.
I encourage everyone to be a SKEPTIC.
NOTHING should be taken at face value. you have to eliminate all possible explanations or, as those supposed 'Ghosthunters' say "Debunk". things.
The scientific method isn't something only used in a lab. It's a practical application to everyday life.
Keep the THEORY in Conspiracy theory. After all, it isn't Conspiracy FACT.

We should all feel free to talk about and exchange ideas.
We are right to question what we hear.
It's what makes us humans.
But it's 2013.... we need to stop being superstitious, gullible fools.

Unfortunately, the world of "Conspiracy theory" will ALWAYS be rife with the mentally ill. It's a perfect niche for them. Sadly, for those of us who are interested - yet skeptical - they bring us all down. They aren't the exception, but more the rule.
What truth there is to be had, or what could be discovered, is often drowned out by the voices of these people in all their mentally ill glory.
It has, effectively, made "Conspiracy Theorist" a word more akin to "insane" rather than"questioning".

The proof of what i say is all around you. Look at ATS with a skeptical eye. Go to youtube and watch some of the videos (or anything by David Icke; the pied Piper of insanity).

I could go on and on about this topic. I have only just scratched the surface of it.

Again, my thanks and applause to the OP for this topic. This is something that needs to be talked about in the conspiracy community. it's been the skeleton in the closet - scratch that, ELEPHANT IN THE ROOM for far too long.
If we don't address with overabundance of mental illness that exists in "Conspiracy theory" community then none of it, regardless of worth, will ever be taken seriously.

I understand that I'm trying to empty the ocean with a bucket here, but I urge you to be more discerning in your posting and replies. Weed out the insane. They are much more dangerous than any naysayer or "disinformation agent" (another topic beloved by the looney).




as a post script -

i am absolutely sure that what I've written will get a tremendously negative response from the other ATS users, as I'm sure this topic and the OP are getting. But I believe this to be one of the most important aspects of ATS and "conspiracy theory" in general.
There is no defense that you can give. There is no deflecting this, or pretending it isn't true. It is.
Mental Illness is rampant in this community and needs to be addressed.
I will not being responding to comments on this as i see it as pointless. I've said what I want and what I feel NEEDS to be said. If you disagree then I think you are being intellectually dishonest at best. At worst you are probably suffering from mental illness yourself and either can't understand the points being made, are in denial, or it hit so close to home that you are now lashing out at it.

P.P.S.

I have suffered from mental illness my entire life. That, however, does not mean I can't be intellectual, skeptical, or discerning

reply to post by intrptr


Possibly, but nearly any viewpoint at this point in time can qualify as a "conspiracy theory" for those that subscribe to that type of logic. I don't. All "opinions" in my opinion

I celebrate individuality. Both in myself and other people. Thats why my name is I Be I You Be You.

Judgement of others based upon stereotypes is morally wrong. Some people may get obsessive with certain ideas and it becomes detrimental to their psychological and social well-being. I had a college professor like that. I didn't agree with him, but to each his own. BTW, he had higher moral standards than some of the "normal" people I knew at the time that were "keeping up appearances."

As was pointed out with the DSM, everybody qualifies for mental illness. Take the 10 question litmus test for depression when you're in a bad mood. Congratulations, you have depression.

reply to post by ImNotACylon


Whew, I get it. Is the summary: certain people that qualify to your standards of concern should stop thinking?

reply to post by intrptr


When the official story is so illogical and when the diplomacy is so suspect, I would imagine those that define US interests would be upset when people point out the flaws. That is not a conspiracy against US imo. That's just poor performance in the deception department.

reply to post by ImNotACylon


I look at what has not been proven to find if it has ever been tested. Many times it has not been tested or the wrong testing was done, assuming that their test applied to the situation. That is very common.

I have taken phone surveys only to find that I was being led down a path that was against my belief and my information was going to be misapplied. When you try to clarify them they say yes or no.

I have researched too many things and found many discrepancies to blindly believe what is being fed to me. I look for possible motives for the deceit and follow the money a lot.

Interesting replies. Some powerful words there from Iamnotacylon and kudos to you for mentioning your own mental illness. Hope everything is ok with that.

Only a few days ago someone asked me what I would consider madness to be. My own definition tends to go along the lines of rational thinking. So is the person thinking rationally? When someone starts wildly swinging from one topic to another and you just end up with a jumbled up cocktail of things that you can never really get to the bottom of. Thats when I tend to think theres some mental illness issues. Most people who arent ill, still have the ability to reason and importantly listen to reasoned argument.

In response I was asked how I would feel about people who spoke to God. Thats kind of a tricky one, if they are convinced 100 percent that really are actually communicating, I would tend to think they really are mad. A rational person would surely suggest that they believe that they are communicating. They would maintain that sense of questioning before abandoning to pure white hot no doubting belief.

Its good to hear as many opinions on this as possible.

Speaking from personal experience I was for many years obsessed with UFOs and various other paranormal ideas as well as drawn to the patriot/militia movement and similar fringe groups. I was certain from day one that 9/11 was not what it was presented to be. I believed in a coming physical pole shift as described by Edgar Cayce. In retrospect I was also somewhat paranoid and suspicious in my everyday life and interactions with people. About 12 years ago I was diagnosed with bipolar disorder and began taking olanzapine. Within a few weeks the edge of paranoia disappeared and over a long period of time I began re-examining my beliefs and the available evidence from a logical perspective and eventually changed my mind about a lot of things. I'm not saying that everything I believed before was wrong and I am still interested in some of these subjects. However, I do believe I was in an unhealthy mental state where I was attracted to a number of faulty belief systems.

Originally posted by Chi-and-Me
No... But more and more I think the opposite is true. People who can't see these conspiracy FACTS that are in plain sight for the world to view, may be mentaly ill. Delusional at best.

you forgot "highly paid"

reply to post by Danbones


"I want to be an Internet Ranger - I want to live the life of Danger."
"Sound Off - beep, beep. Sound Off - beep, beep, beep."

reply to post by ibiubu

I would imagine those that define US interests would be upset when people point out the flaws. That is not a conspiracy against US imo. That's just poor performance in the deception department.

One day the internet will be like the TV was back when. One way. If they have their way, every video will be "comments disabled for this video". Only they will have say to spout their agenda. They are sorely pissed it isn't that way right now.

Theres a real conspiracy. The internet killed newspapers, magazines, TV radio. The Powers that be lost control of everyones minds. They struggle for it, they carpet bomb and clog the boards with their BS, but really just only another house of cards now.

Ain't that grand?

Originally posted by grey580
reply to post by December21st2012

 

I would counter with.
Does believing in a being that lives in the sky who will punish you in the afterlife if you are a bad person count as a sign of mental illness?
Because there are several billion people with that belief walking around on the planet.

well for one thing, the sky is of this dimension.

maybe the better question is can rational people be driven insane by irrational (and evil) acts and perhaps the labeling of CT'rs as insane comes from predictive analysis

I'm mentally ill, but I don't think it relates in any way to my interest in alertative viewpoints and topics. A chemical imbalance doesn't need to define every aspect of someone's life, interests, or hobbies. We are all multi-talented and multi-facted entities.

Sometimes it's just good practice to "think outside the box". A lot of CT'ers are very imaginative people, highly creative, naturally curious and independant thinkers. It's the direction we take our theories that matters most.

Personally, I'm obsessed with Theoretical Potentials and Practical Applications....but no so much to initiate a theory that would cause harm or distress to anyone. Paranoia does not suit anyone well, while healthy skepticism and concern for diffusing potentially long reaching effects of situations outside our field of influence is always a wonderful discussion to entertain.

Originally posted by December21st2012
Are us conspiracy theorists really just mad?

So I stumbled on this and it got me thinking, well almost questioning my own sanity. I have never been to see a psychiatrist, should I be worried just because I have an interest in these theories?
Then I also began to wonder, how many people that post actively here might also have these concerns, perhaps have already been diagnosed or even on medication.

Is this the road down which we are travelling?

it's simple really...the following government conspirecies turned out to be true with documentation...4 off the top of my head
1...watergate
2...iran-contra
3...gulf of tonkin
4...the CDC's secret syphilis experiment on black people

Originally posted by December21st2012
Are us conspiracy theorists really just mad?

So I stumbled on this and it got me thinking, well almost questioning my own sanity. I have never been to see a psychiatrist, should I be worried just because I have an interest in these theories?
Then I also began to wonder, how many people that post actively here might also have these concerns, perhaps have already been diagnosed or even on medication.

Is this the road down which we are travelling?

Obsession of it might be a sign about some mental disease. Although most "conspiracists" are simply people who question things and ATS is a place where you can talk to similar people who do not take absolutely everything given to them as truth and conclusionally find out the truth.

This is called critical thinking

There is many official data that often does not make sense. Without people questioning things, who knows, maybe we would still be living in stone age or under dictatorship. Most famous scientists may be called "conspiract theorists. Many of them were considered insane by the society, even though they were nearer to the truth than, anybody else, as they tried to find the logic behind the areas, which were considered god-made or other more "famous" scientists had already another theory about it.