Why Conspiracy Theories Are So Addictive | Real Talk with Marissa Streit and Guest Michael Shermer

Author and Skeptic magazine founder Michael Shermer joins this NEW episode of Real Talk to discuss why conspiracy theories spread, how some turn out to be true, and when to tell the difference between healthy suspicion and paranoia. Shermer explains why UFOs, 9/11, the moon landing, COVID, and antisemitic conspiracies capture the public imagination, and how social media and AI have made false narratives easier to create and spread. We also discuss the difference between real conspiracies and conspiracy theories, and why the best question to ask is: what would it take to change your mind?

00:00 - Michael Shermer on Conspiracy Theories

00:29 - Conspiracies vs. Conspiracy Theories

03:26 - Are UFOs Real?

07:23 - When Government Secrets Are Legitimate

09:39 - Area 51, the Moon Landing, and Flat Earth

14:24 - Why Conspiracy Theories Are So Addictive

15:29 - The Psychology Behind Conspiracy Thinking

18:04 - Why Jews Become Targets of Conspiracies

21:35 - Low Trust and Conspiracy Thinking

24:02 - Tribal Conspiracism and Groupthink

28:18 - Why Big Events Create Big Conspiracy Theories