Conspiracy Theorists' Online Policing Linked
New research finds people who strongly believe in conspiracy theories often act as online 'social vigilantes,' driven by narcissistic desires for
People who strongly endorse conspiracy theories frequently act as online "social vigilantes," seeking to correct others they see as ignorant. This tendency is largely driven by feelings of superiority and a desire for self-enhancement, according to new research published in Personality and Individual Differences.
The study's lead author, PhD candidate Achilleas Piliousis, said the idea originated from observations after the COVID-19 pandemic. He noticed some conspiracy believers did not just express views. They attacked those who disagreed, portraying themselves as truth-seers and dismissing others as "sheep."
"This led me to wonder whether conspiracy thinking might sometimes be associated with such online behaviors through social vigilantism," Piliousis explained. This is the belief one possesses superior insight and a responsibility to police those perceived as misinformed.
The Research Findings
Researchers conducted three studies. The first, with 139 Greek adults, found a moderate positive link between conspiracy beliefs and social vigilantism. This held even when accounting for general arrogance and close-mindedness.
A second study with 116 Greek participants tested if these tendencies translate to online behavior. It focused on climate change conspiracy theories. Beliefs indirectly predicted both a willingness to argue online and a desire to participate in online shaming.
A third study with 188 U.S. participants confirmed the pattern. Conspiracy thinking indirectly predicted online argumentation, shaming intentions, and actual social media conflict. This again acted through social vigilantism.
The Role of Narcissism
The research explored specific types of narcissism. It measured two facets of grandiose narcissism: narcissistic admiration (the desire to be seen as great) and narcissistic rivalry (an antagonistic desire to see others fail).
When researchers factored in narcissistic admiration, the statistical link between conspiracy thinking and social vigilantism weakened substantially. Piliousis found this particularly interesting. "Our findings suggest that self-enhancement motives may play an important role in these relationships," he said.
Rather than acting as selfless heroes, conspiracy theorists might engage in online enforcement largely to serve their own egos. Piliousis explained the adoption of a social vigilante role may partly reflect self-focused motives like self-enhancement and the pursuit of status.
Study Limitations and Future Questions
The authors noted limitations. The data shows associations, not causation. "Longitudinal studies are needed to examine the direction of these relationships," Piliousis said. The studies also relied on self-reported intentions, not observed behavior.
Future research could examine real comment sections. It remains an open question how this confrontational style affects passive observers online. Aggressive tactics might make ideas seem more visible. They might also backfire by appearing overly hostile.
