Conspiracy theories are explanations for important events involving secret plots by powerful and malevolent groups. Research indicates that belief in conspiracy theories is driven by epistemic (understanding the environment), existential (control and security), and social (self and group image) motives. However, little research has examined the consequences of these beliefs. While conspiracy theories may satisfy some motives, they often fail to do so effectively. They can be more appealing than satisfying, as they may provide a sense of control and understanding but are often speculative and resistant to falsification. Conspiracy belief is associated with lower levels of analytic thinking and education, and with a tendency to overestimate the likelihood of co-occurring events and perceive agency where none exists. Conspiracy theories may also satisfy existential motives by providing a sense of control and safety, but experimental exposure to them can suppress this sense. They may also undermine autonomy and control, leading to less engagement in political processes. Socially, conspiracy theories may help maintain a positive image of the self and group by attributing negative outcomes to others. However, they can also foster alienation and distrust, reducing trust in institutions and leading to a sense of disenchantment with politicians and scientists. Conspiracy theories may serve as a defensive mechanism for individuals or groups feeling disadvantaged, offering a sense of belonging and shared reality. However, they often fail to fulfill these social motives and may even exacerbate feelings of alienation and distrust. Research suggests that conspiracy theories may be self-defeating, as they do not effectively satisfy the motives they are supposed to address. Future research is needed to determine whether conspiracy theories can fulfill these motives for certain individuals or under specific conditions, particularly for those who are disadvantaged or threatened. Overall, while conspiracy theories may provide some psychological benefits, they often fail to meet the needs they are intended to address.Conspiracy theories are explanations for important events involving secret plots by powerful and malevolent groups. Research indicates that belief in conspiracy theories is driven by epistemic (understanding the environment), existential (control and security), and social (self and group image) motives. However, little research has examined the consequences of these beliefs. While conspiracy theories may satisfy some motives, they often fail to do so effectively. They can be more appealing than satisfying, as they may provide a sense of control and understanding but are often speculative and resistant to falsification. Conspiracy belief is associated with lower levels of analytic thinking and education, and with a tendency to overestimate the likelihood of co-occurring events and perceive agency where none exists. Conspiracy theories may also satisfy existential motives by providing a sense of control and safety, but experimental exposure to them can suppress this sense. They may also undermine autonomy and control, leading to less engagement in political processes. Socially, conspiracy theories may help maintain a positive image of the self and group by attributing negative outcomes to others. However, they can also foster alienation and distrust, reducing trust in institutions and leading to a sense of disenchantment with politicians and scientists. Conspiracy theories may serve as a defensive mechanism for individuals or groups feeling disadvantaged, offering a sense of belonging and shared reality. However, they often fail to fulfill these social motives and may even exacerbate feelings of alienation and distrust. Research suggests that conspiracy theories may be self-defeating, as they do not effectively satisfy the motives they are supposed to address. Future research is needed to determine whether conspiracy theories can fulfill these motives for certain individuals or under specific conditions, particularly for those who are disadvantaged or threatened. Overall, while conspiracy theories may provide some psychological benefits, they often fail to meet the needs they are intended to address.