Do Anti-Vaxxers Also Believe in Other Conspiracy Theories?

Anti-vaxxers, those who are skeptical or against vaccination due to concerns about safety and efficacy, often attract skepticism and criticism. One intriguing question that frequently arises is: are anti-vaxxers more likely to embrace other conspiracy theories?

Intersection of Conspiracy Theories

Many people hold diverse beliefs, and while some may draw parallels between different conspiracy theories, it's important to understand that belief in one theory does not necessarily predict a belief in another. For example, just as one might believe in multiple theories independently, like UFOs and extraterrestrial life, or climate change conspiracy theories, belief in one conspiracy does not logically demand belief in the other. This is akin to separating the belief that JFK's assassination was a conspiracy from an alien abductee's belief in extraterrestrial encounters.

Date Aside: A Single Data Point

From my personal experience, there is only one anti-vaxxer I know well. This individual has a complex set of beliefs, including the notion that adding fluoride to drinking water is part of a plan to make people docile and obedient. Despite this belief, she does not concur with the flat Earth theory, based on her having lived in New Zealand and Australia. Additionally, she does not believe in anthropogenic climate change or evolution by natural selection. This single data point suggests that not all anti-vaxxers share the same belief in other conspiracy theories. However, it would be invaluable to draw broader conclusions from larger-scale surveys.

Beliefs Beyond Vaccination

The anti-vaxxer's primary belief appears to be a fundamentalist interpretation of a particular type of Christianity. However, it's important to note that many of the individuals I've encountered who align with anti-vaxxer beliefs also hold a variety of other far-fetched and often volatile beliefs. These beliefs span a wide spectrum of topics, such as:

Beliefs About Disease and Vaccination

Some anti-vaxxers believe that certain diseases only affect other people's children. This skewed perspective often stems from a desire to prioritize their own children's well-being, potentially at the expense of public health measures. Such beliefs can be dangerous, as they may lead to higher infection rates and public health risks.

Conspiracy Theories About Notable People

A significant number of anti-vaxxers have embraced a series of highly speculative and often discredited conspiracy theories involving prominent figures. For instance, they may believe that:

Bill Gates is a eugenicist and a threat to public health. There is a communist plot to infiltrate various aspects of society. A leftist conspiracy aims to dismantle Western Christian civilization's values, paving the way for a global Islamic caliphate. There is a "gay dictatorship" that aims to legalize gay marriage and dissolve heterosexual societies.

These beliefs reflect a broader distrust in governance, media, and scientific consensus, often grounded in a fear of imminent and catastrophic change.

Conclusion

While there is a significant overlap in the beliefs of anti-vaxxers and other conspiracy theorists, it's crucial to recognize that not all individuals display uniformity in their beliefs. The complexity of human thought and behavior means that individuals may hold a myriad of diverse and often conflicting views. Understanding the nuances of these beliefs can help in addressing the underlying concerns and crafting more effective educational and communicative strategies.

Further Reading and Research

For a deeper dive into the relationship between anti-vaxxers and conspiracy theories, explore the following resources:

Fürst, F., Lawson, E. M. (2020). Conspiracy Thinking and Dismissal of the Public Health Benefits of Vaccination: A Call for Early Public Health Engagement. PLoS One, 15(9). Vlieks, L., Tarrant, M. (2018). Conspiracy Theories and Organized Social Movements. Conspiracy Theories: A Critical Introduction. Horning, S. M., Gasman, M. (2019). The Anti-Vaccine Movement and Its Impact on Public Health. Science, Policy, and Society.