During this week’s presidential debate, Donald Trump mentioned false allegations about migrants eating cats, causing Kamala Harris to laugh.

While this may have been a clever strategy for the vice president to counter Trump’s viewpoints, experts in psychology and extremism advise that ridiculing a loved one’s conspiracy theories isn’t the best approach.

“Shaming individuals for their beliefs in false narratives isn’t productive,” stated Sara Aniano, a disinformation analyst at the Anti-Defamation League’s Center on Extremism.

Mocking someone who believes in conspiracy theories usually backfires; they may become defensive rather than open to considering facts, as explained by clinical psychologist Loren Soeiro.

Soeiro emphasized in an article for Psychology Today, “The least effective response to a conspiracy belief is to ridicule or mock.” He commented to YSL News that using sarcasm or direct confrontation often leads to increased disagreement and defensiveness, which isn’t constructive.

Experts explain that unraveling the belief in conspiracy theories is challenging due to several psychological reasons. Recognizing these underlying factors is crucial for having a respectful dialogue and possibly helping individuals resist future conspiratorial beliefs.

What Drives Belief in Conspiracy Theories?

An unfounded rumor about Haitian migrants consuming pets in Ohio gained traction after Republican vice presidential nominee J.D. Vance spread it on social media to millions. Trump then amplified it to 67 million viewers during the debate, further propelling the story.

“These kinds of theories emerge all the time,” Aniano explained. “Although not every theory gains this level of attention, when public figures share them, it can lend a sense of legitimacy—even if they are proven false.”

According to research, there are three main motivations behind belief in conspiracy theories.

The first, “epistemic,” refers to the human desire to understand complex world events. In times of uncertainty, people tend to latch onto explanations that provide a sense of clarity, even if those explanations are overly simple or inaccurate, as outlined by the Anti-Defamation League based on Karen Douglas’s work at the University of Kent.

The second motivation, “existential,” pertains to the human need for safety and security. When individuals feel they lack control over their lives, they may turn to conspiracy theories that provide explanations for their helplessness and offer a target for their blame, despite being incorrect.

Lastly, the “social” motivation pertains to a desire for status. Some individuals derive self-worth from possessing exclusive information that others do not, and believing in a conspiracy can enhance their sense of moral superiority, making it more challenging for them to abandon such beliefs.

“People hold onto these beliefs as a part of their identity—it’s tied to their chosen ‘team’,” noted Lee McIntyre, a research fellow at Boston University and author of “On Disinformation” and “How to Talk to a Science Denier.”

“Just stating the facts often isn’t enough,” he cautioned. “The key is to engage in calm, respectful discussions, where you build trust. However, achieving this can be difficult.”

When individuals have taken a stance on an issue.

How to engage with someone who believes in a conspiracy theory

When someone close to you adopts a belief that is clearly false, psychologists advise starting a discussion that is respectful and free of judgment. Soeiro, a psychologist, offers the following strategies:

• Maintain an open mind, listen without making judgments, and avoid becoming defensive. “Be prepared to hear ideas you disagree with without immediately challenging them,” he mentioned.
• Inquire about the roots of the conspiracy theory. Ask the person how they came across the theory and be open to their responses. “These conversations can be tough,” he stated. “Often, individuals with conspiracy beliefs hesitate to share their thoughts due to fear of being judged.”
• Explore how the beliefs have impacted the individual’s feelings or perspectives. “This is more about empathy and getting to know the person you’re speaking with a bit more,” Soeiro explained.

Convincing someone to abandon a conspiracy theory after they have embraced it can be challenging. However, studies indicate that educating people on how to spot false narratives or discern unreliable sources can aid in preventing them from being misled by disinformation in the future.

“Misinformation occurs by accident,” McIntyre noted. “Disinformation involves intentional falsehoods. It is a deliberate lie created by someone and spread by others to achieve a particular goal. Such individuals fabricate lies that cater to their economic or political motives.”

“In many respects, we must be cautious with those who believe these things. In some ways, they are victims of manipulation.”