I have my own theory on that and it's the same reason people believe in conspiracy theories. I think superstition, religion, conspiracy theories all have one thing in common: it's the explanation that random things we can't control are actually the result of someone else pulling the proverbial strings. I think some people need to feel like the world isn't chaotic but rather there is some hidden order to it. I think it gives them a sense of comfort, maybe even control over circumstances they ordinarily couldn't control.
My theory is that conspiracy theories are a direct result of things like fake news, global surveillance programs and governments experimenting on citizens. It is hard not to be skeptical and suspicious by default.
I didn't think nor suggest it was a controversial viewpoint. Thanks for the link though, it's an opinion I'd admittedly never researched to see if anyone else had written up on.
