ABSTRACT
This chapter provides an overview of the most important research so far concerning the possibilities of changing conspiracy beliefs via targeted interventions. It reviews some psychological obstacles in the way of interventions. The chapter proposes a matrix as a theoretical framework for categorising the possible interventions and explains the available academic literature as well as some practical experiences concerning efficient ways of reducing conspiracy beliefs. It is easier to spread conspiracy theories than to refute them. Conspiracy theories have a strong functional basis: They can serve epistemic, existential, social motives at the same time. While there is abundant research on what induces conspiracy theories, the literature on how to reduce them is thinner. ‘Theories of conspiracy represent a permanent temptation for us all’. Interventions focusing on immunisation aim to shield the audience with the necessary cognitive, emotional or motivational skills to resist this temptation.
