5.2. Implications and Discussion
First, this study provides implications regarding which information variable has the greatest impact on beliefs in conspiracy theories. Specifically, such beliefs decrease as the quality of information improves. In addition, increasing the quantity of information spreads these beliefs. This finding suggests that communications with the public should include high-quality information rather than large amounts of information. In addition, because conspiracy theories are highly likely to be embedded in large quantities of information, it is necessary to filter or monitor information content.
Second, this study found that political, psychological, and structural factors simultaneously influence beliefs in conspiracy theories. This result suggests that these three factors should be considered in a balanced way to suppress conspiracy theories. Because the three factors have very different properties, various approaches are needed. A political approach should consider the structure of negotiations, the distribution of interests, and the competitive structure of winners and losers. A psychological approach should be mindful of the structure of thinking and the possibility for individuals to change. A structural approach should consider ways to change the social structure’s fundamental framework rather than individual minds.
Third, the simple frequency analysis results show that although the percentage of respondents who believe conspiracy theories is relatively small, many respondents take a more neutral position. Because this neutral group may become a potential resource for the spread of conspiracy theories, it is necessary to analyze its characteristics and prepare to decrease this group’s active role.
Fourth, within the political factor, authoritarianism, support for Moon’s government, support for other parties, religiosity, Christianity, trust in the government, and trust in SNS, all influence beliefs in conspiracy theories. Because ideological factors, such as authoritarianism and religiosity, are difficult to manipulate artificially, possible approaches to reduce conspiracy theories using these factors are limited. However, support for Moon’s government and trust in the government can be impacted through the intentional efforts by the government to secure trust. To build trust during the COVID-19 pandemic, the government must transparently disclose information, communicate with the public, and make strategic efforts to quickly respond to problems. In the context of COVID-19, studies have discussed ways to make good use of trusted actors. Gruzd and Mai [27] explain that the spread of misinformation can potentially be mitigated by fact-checking and directing people to credible information from public health agencies. Messages on inoculations from trusted opinion leaders can prevent beliefs in conspiracies and enhance intentions to be vaccinated [76]. Thus, Earnshaw et al. [2] suggest that increasing the uptake of COVID-19 vaccines when they become available and gaining support for COVID-19 public health-related policies require strategies that leverage trusted sources of COVID-19 information (e.g., doctors).
Fifth, within the psychological factor, all six variables significantly influence beliefs in conspiracy theories. In particular, the impacts of perceived risk and anxiety are large and significant. This result suggests that because the increase in anxiety during the COVID-19 pandemic can lead to the spread of conspiracy theories, efforts are needed to control anxiety. In particular, the fact that a sense of control reduces beliefs in conspiracy theories suggests that it is important to give individuals confidence that they can control COVID-19. The government should organize effective quarantine measures to control COVID-19 and actively promote them to the public. In addition, because perceived risk, anxiety, and negative emotions are all based on negative thinking, communication strategies must reinforce positive aspects of the situation. Beliefs in conspiracy theories decrease in the case of analytic thinking, implying a need for a policy that focuses on disseminating analytical information to the public. Additionally, because beliefs in conspiracy theories increase in the case of external blame attribution, it is necessary to emphasize individual responsibility in the COVID-19 pandemic.