From Disseminating to Disconnecting: How Genetically Modified Organisms Conspiracy Theories Compensate and Enhance the Social Well-Being of Vulnerable Narcissists

Drawing on insights from the social compensation and social enhancement hypotheses, this article examined how sharing GMO conspiracy theories influences the social well-being of individuals with vulnerable narcissistic traits. Through a survey of 412 responses in Mainland China, the current study investigated the relationship between vulnerable narcissism on social disconnection. We found that vulnerable narcissists are more likely to share GMO conspiracy theories, which might lead to exposure to incivility, in turn exacerbating the tendency of socially disconnecting. The present study contributed to existing literature by underscoring the social dimensions of conspiracy theories. Also, this research provided insights for digital platform designers in developing strategies for vulnerable people combatting conspiracy beliefs.