Kevin and I (Weitz and Bergquist (2024 p. 45) then turn to insights offered by Jan-Willem Vam Prooijen, another social scientist:
“Van Prooijen . . . describes the enabling effects of a conspiracy theory. First, the conspiracy theory enables those who believe in this theory to demonize outsiders. Extremist fringe groups make rather sharp distinctions between “us” versus “them.” Conspiracy theories enable these groups to solidify a strong identity among their members by fueling aversion against different groups. The second form of enablement is engaged when a conspiracy theory directs extremist groups to discredit criticism within the group. Dissenting voices may threaten the cohesion of extremist groups, but conspiracy theories enable these groups to portray critics as part of a hostile conspiratorial threat.
There is a third form of enablement. Conspiracy theories can give extremist fringe groups the feeling that the threat is existential and that violence is the only remaining option to protect themselves and their way of life. More specifically, conspiracy theories can add to the sense that the group – or the cause that the group stands for – is under imminent attack by a hostile enemy. There is an urgent need for an adequate response. A peaceful reaction is unlikely to be effective.”
Finally, we (Weitz and Bergquist (2024, p. 45) note that Conspiracy theories may have always been with us, but may be particularly prevalent and dangerous in our contemporary world filled with the aforementioned VUCA-Plus conditions:
“We envisioned the threat of a neighboring tribe or the mal intentions of that family living down the street. These theories are a natural function of people attempting to understand a complex and increasingly rapidly-changing (VUCA-Plus) world. These theories are a guide for developing reasons and rationales that serve a protective function. In terms of the formal definition of a conspiracy theory, there is always some form of threat that is omnipresent, multifaceted and complex. People viscerally respond to these threats by attempting to identify patterns, causality and culpability.”
These patterns, causalities and sources of culpability are incorporated in the Bubble of Belief formed and protected by those who fearfully embrace conspiracy theories. It is at rallies and in the virtual gatherings occurring in the social media, that these sources of conspiracy expand and are reinforced.
Those attending the MAGA rallies and accessing websites such as BitChute or 4chan are rapidly expanding their Bubble of Belief in symmetrical conjunction with fellow “true-believers”. Conspiracy-oriented neighborhoods are formed on the Internet. A collective Bubble of Belief is created and individual Bubble of Belief receive further false but “confirming” evidence that our community, our nation or are entire world might be “going to hell” and is in need of repair, reform or even revolution.
Coherence: Our Positive Interpersonal Relationships Vectors
We get high together in a crowd, celebrate together, fall in love together. The same factors that lead to conspiracy and violence also lead to collaboration, caring and love.
Pheromones of Love
We know that many chemicals (pheromones) that are drawn in by the human nose might produce the territorial imperative or the fight/flight/freeze reaction; however, these chemicals might also serve what biologists call an “aggregation” function. While aggregation is found in lower order species such as the boll weevil and butterfly, it is also found in higher-order species such as many species of birds and whales. Could pheromones contribute to these higher order aggregations, even though these animals are communicating with each other over large distances?
And what about human beings? Do we “sense” love for another person via our nose. Those providing perfumes would certainly suggest so. Are the pheromones that serve as food trails for ants, also lure us into restaurants, into the consumption of certain foods that are not particularly nutritious but smell “great”. And does a food trail lead us to the person we love.
Were “pheromones of love” swirling around the Oakland Colosseum during the U-2 concert?
Neighborhood effect
As I have just noted, the neighborhood effect looks quite different when love rather than threat is in the air (perhaps assisted by some pheromones). We observe this among birds and fish when everything is peaceful. The birds are souring together in the breeze, while the fish are swarming in beautiful dance-like displays in the shifting currents of the water. They are choosing to “play” in the flock or swarm. An internal locus of control is in effect. The bonding is deliberate and generated from within the bird or fish (whether instinctive in origin or a “learned” Legato proclivity).
