You know what’s Not on Roids, apparently? A predisposition to rage and a fondness for tin foil hats. Seriously, folks, new research is out claiming that people who get angry easily are also more likely to believe in… well, everything ridiculous you can imagine. Flat Earth? Lizard people running the government? The moon landing being filmed in a Hollywood studio? Yep, they’re probably nodding along enthusiastically.
According to a report published in the Journal of Research in Personality, researchers from Australia and Poland – because apparently thats where all the rage-fueled conspiracy theorists hang out – have discovered this alarming link. They studied a whopping 1,174 people across Poland and America (that’s 363, 422, 248, AND 141 souls, for those keeping track!), examining everything from “generic conspiracy beliefs” to shiny new ones.
The kicker? It gets worse! Not only are angry folks more likely to buy into these theories, but inducing anger in them makes it even WORSE. Apparently, researchers can actively make someone believe in a secret cabal controlling the weather with strategically placed pigeons just by making them slightly annoyed. Wild, right?
Study author Kinga Szymaniak calls this “surprising” and exciting, which is… optimistic. Im calling it deeply concerning. While they admit more research is needed (because obviously), you can bet your bottom dollar that this news will fuel the very conspiracy theories it highlights. Just try explaining that one, science!
