People are more motivated to believe or create conspiracy theories that support their previous views in order to defend against negative feelings of being wrong and to bolster their ego. Conspiracy beliefs can help make sense of threatening events, provide a sense of control, or help those that are powerless or voiceless to explain their disadvantaged social reality. Studies have shown that individuals with low self-esteem, low sense of control, or high anxiety are more likely to have stronger conspiracy beliefs and engage more frequently in conspiratorial thinking.