Why Do Conspiracy Theories Never Disappear? Their True Nature Is a 'Fantasy' More Comfortable Than 'Fact'

The above article was published on Toyo Keizai Online on October 4, 2025.
It discusses the 'true terror' of conspiracy theories in 2025.

The main points are as follows.

• Conspiracy theories are fantasy: People who believe in conspiracy theories enjoy them not as facts, but as fantasy. Whether they are true or not is unimportant; in fact, they consider the very act of introducing the concept of 'fact' to be nonsense.

• Fact-checking is meaningless: Because they detach themselves from the real world and perceive conspiracy theories as events in a two-dimensional world, fact-checking is ineffective.

• The root of the problem is alienation: The real problem lies in the fact that people feel alienated from society.

• Assimilation with fantasy: Recent conspiracy theories have merged with fantasy, and people enjoy a state where the line between truth and fiction is blurred. It is pointed out that this is similar to the psychology of people who get caught up in the frenzy of an economic bubble while ignoring fundamentals.

I have thought about this article.

Why do conspiracy theories transcend 'facts'?

The point made by the original article that 'people enjoy conspiracy theories as fantasy' highlights an extremely important issue in today's information society. This is not just about people being 'deceived,' but suggests that the value of information and facts themselves is undergoing a transformation.

1. The neutralization of 'facts' and the post-truth era

The article's assertion that 'fact-checking is ineffective' is deeply related to the fact that we live in an era of 'post-truth.' Post-truth refers to a situation where information that appeals to personal emotions and beliefs has a greater influence on shaping public opinion than objective facts.

For conspiracy theory believers, the narrative is chosen based on 'not which is logically correct, but which explains the world in a more attractive or convincing way.' Rather than a complex and incomprehensible reality, the simple narrative of a conspiracy theory—that everything is happening because of a specific enemy (e.g., the Deep State, secret societies, etc.)—is far easier to understand and provides mental stability. For them, conspiracy theories are a grand 'entertainment' for escapism, and bringing in unrefined 'facts' is not welcome.

2. 'Another reality' fostered by social alienation

The 'sense of alienation from society' that the article points to as the root of conspiracy theories is the most important key to understanding this phenomenon.

For people who cannot find their place in real society or who feel economically or socially powerless, conspiracy theories mean more than just a story. This is because they provide 'a sense of elitism as those who possess special knowledge' and a strong community with people who believe in the same story.

• Fulfillment of the need for approval: Gaining the feeling that 'I am a special being who knows the truth,' which cannot be obtained in reality.

• Gaining a sense of belonging: Online and offline connections with peers who believe in the same conspiracy theories heal feelings of isolation.

Within this community, fact-checking from the outside is viewed as an 'attack from the enemy,' and actually only serves to strengthen their unity. They are living in 'another reality' that operates on different rules and values than the real world.

3. Commonalities with the bubble economy: Obsession with a 'collective illusion'

The point where the article compares the psychology of conspiracy theories to the 'bubble economy' is very accurate. Both investors during the bubble era and followers of conspiracy theories are possessed by a certain kind of 'collective illusion'.

In a bubble economy, everyone believes in the baseless story that 'these stocks will keep rising forever,' and that frenzy creates even more frenzy. 'Facts' such as fundamentals (basic economic conditions) are ignored, and a group psychology of 'I must not miss out' dominates the market.

Conspiracy theories are similar in that the group's conviction that 'this story is true' overrides individual doubts. As long as people are within this collective illusion, they can experience a comfortable sense of euphoria and unity, but they also share the commonality that once the bubble bursts and they wake up from the illusion, only a harsh reality remains.

4. The 'Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe' as a contrasting dream

The mention of the 'Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe' horse race that appears suddenly at the end of the article can be interpreted as functioning as a metaphor for a 'healthy dream (fantasy)' that contrasts with conspiracy theories.

• Connection to reality: The dream of winning the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe is unrealistically difficult, but it is a goal based on the actual rules of horse racing. It has a clear connection to reality through daily steady efforts and challenges.

• Constructive goals: That dream is not something that disparages others or incites distrust in society, but is a constructive one aimed at the efforts and honor of those involved.

By contrasting 'unhealthy fantasies'—conspiracy theories that are detached from reality and only create distrust and division in society—with 'healthy fantasies' that, while difficult, are continuous with reality and encourage people, the author may be questioning which kind of story modern society needs.

Summary

The 'true terror of conspiracy theories' pointed out by the original article lies not in the spread of misinformation itself, but in the structural problem of a society where 'people have come to willingly choose a 'fantasy' that is more comfortable than 'fact'.' Social and economic anxiety and isolation are detaching people from reality and causing them to escape into easy stories. This article suggests that solving this problem requires more than just correcting information; a more fundamental approach that allows people to find hope and a place for themselves in the real world again is essential.

(Summarized using Google Gemini 2.5.)