2.4.5. Social Support
Social structures that shape citizens’ feelings of vulnerability increase beliefs in conspiracy theories [66]. As a social structure, a social network or social support acts as a shield against conspiracy theories. Conversely, a lack of social resources or support promotes the beliefs in conspiracy theories. Freeman and Bentall [67] show that conspiracy believers are more likely to have weaker social networks. According to Grohol [68], any societal alienation appears to be connected to greater beliefs in conspiracy theories. Those who suffer on the edge of society, because of their unemployment status, minor ethnicity, or even weak relationship status, report stronger beliefs in the conspiracy theories. Conversely, Sapountzis and Condor [69] find that conspiracy narratives are as likely to be used by people with large social networks as by those whose social interactions are generally more restricted.
Hypothesis 16 (H16).   Individuals with more social support exhibit weaker beliefs in conspiracy theories.