The two links indeed explain how conspiracy theories begin. But both show me conspiracy theories are not necessarily unjustified nor are they necessarily wrong.
The first link includes this as a basis for conspiracy theories.
- In an environment with high mistrust in authorities, conspiracy theories can flourish.
On this 5 year anniversary of COVID lockdowns, the lies and deception by those in authority pushed on all of us are clear. The COVID. Experience will in and of itself foster conspiracy theories for years, some will be accurate, but others will be bullshit. Jennifer Sey writes about it here
Despite being right about everything, those of us who pushed back against lockdowns from the outset are not redeemed. Many of us remained "cancelled."
jennifersey.substack.com
I stoped the second link the author said this
“Stephan Lewandowsky was deep in denial. Nearly 10 years ago the cognitive scientist threw himself into a study of why some people refuse to accept the overwhelming evidence that the planet is warming and humans are responsible.”
I don’t intend to start a debate about climate change, but I will state that climate alarmists are themselves largely conspiracy theorists and fit the mold of the first point in link number 1
- Conspiracy theories thrive on cognitive biases, mental shortcuts that allow us to make sense of the world.
In other words, climate alarmists and conspiracy theorists are both lazy thinkers.
Many people claim they are not conspiracy theorists because they are “data driven” or “evidence based” thinkers. They are fooling themselves. Data and evidence can easily be cherry-picked or manipulated to support an opinion.
The only reliable way to avoid conspiratorial thinking is to have a thorough understanding of cause and effect and relavance. And use both to support skepticism.