people can actually believe Paul McCartney died and was replaced by a lookalike. The stupidity of people never ceases to amaze. It was a freakin' joke 50 years ago. The lads were having some fun with all the idiots trying to analyze every song and album cover.

Do people think Brian Epstein walked into Harrods and said, "I'd like someone who looks just like Paul McCartney. He must be one of the greatest bass players ever. He must play left handed. He must sing exactly like Paul McCartney. He must be one of the greatest songwriters in the history of the world. He must have perfect synergy with his songwriting partner and the rest of The Beatles. How long will this take? We're in a bit of a hurry. You see Paul has died."

Salesman: "Give me a few minutes. We should have one in stock."

Well Cranky-Geezer...there's quite a few people who still think the earth is flat..so...¯\_(ツ)_/¯

Still does which is why I created the thread. I see stuff every day on YouTube. It makes me want to Gibbs slap the stupid out of some people.

interesting answers about conspiracy theory believers from psychology today:

The researchers found that reasons for believing in conspiracy theories can be grouped into three categories:

The desire for understanding and certainty
The desire for control and security
The desire to maintain a positive self-image


Conspiracy theories are also false beliefs, by definition. But people who believe in them have a vested interest in maintaining them. First, they’ve put some effort into understanding the conspiracy-theory explanation for the event, whether by reading books, going to web sites, or watching TV programs that support their beliefs. Uncertainty is an unpleasant state, and conspiracy theories provide a sense of understanding and certainty that is comforting.

more here: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/talking-apes/201801/why-do-people-believe-in-conspiracy-theories




interesting answers to why people believe conspiracy theories from scientific american:

The attractiveness of conspiracy theories may arise from a number of cognitive biases that characterize the way we process information.

“Confirmation bias” is the most pervasive cognitive bias and a powerful driver of belief in conspiracies. We all have a natural inclination to give more weight to evidence that supports what we already believe and ignore evidence that contradicts our beliefs.


“Proportionality bias,” our innate tendency to assume that big events have big causes, may also explain our tendency to accept conspiracies


Another relevant cognitive bias is “projection.” People who endorse conspiracy theories may be more likely to engage in conspiratorial behaviors themselves, such as spreading rumors or tending to be suspicious of others' motives. If you would engage in such behavior, it may seem natural that other people would as well, making conspiracies appear more plausible and widespread.


more at: https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/why-do-some-people-believe-in-conspiracy-theories/

I think this is the crux. The flaw in this particular conspiracy theory which makes it obviously a hoax has to be ignored. People would rather do all sorts of mental gymnastics to avoid something as simple as what I said in my OP.

I totally agree. and it is the most difficult to overcome and the most dangerous thing about all the 'information' available on the internet which is not subject to any standards of veracity.

Most people, I think, tend to use the internet just to search for things that back up the things they already believe, instead of things that may expand upon what they know.

I find it amazing, as you said, the 'mental gymnastics' people use to come to some of these conclusions, and I try to steer clear of mere 'because I claim it' information when the party has nothing to lose. I like sources like accredited media sources who have their accreditation at risk, or organizations and schools who have their income and grants et cetera to lose if they don't follow certain standards of truthfulness in reporting, rather than the various 'conspiracists' you tube videos and sources with random individuals who have NOTHING to really lose by lying or riling people up.

Actually, the main reason I think I've most commonly seen for why people like to support conspiracy theories, is personal ego.

It's much the same as what people get from joining a secret society or a cult: they get to pretend to themselves that they personally have special knowledge and insight.

It feels as though you are extra important, when you are in a minority that believes an extreme idea.

This is also the main reason why conspiracy fans are so easily persuaded to change the exact details of the theories, and so willing to explain away factual errors: the main point of being a believer, is NOT THE THEORY ITSELF.

The value of being an advocate, is in the ADVOCACY.

Makes sense. I don't suppose the details of the theories matter much. Looking at it this way brings me a feeling of unease much more than blaming it on stupidity.

I'm a big radio fan. I was born in 1967 and listened to The Beatles my whole life. When I was young, the radio was on all the time, before MTV.