The COVID-19 pandemic has illuminated how conspiracy beliefs–that explain important events as the secret actions of the powerful–can severely impact health choices (such as reduced infection-prevention behaviours). However, the consequences of conspiracy beliefs span far beyond the topic of COVID-19. This review shines a spotlight on how conspiracy beliefs could impact public and personal health (e.g., vaccine uptake), democratic citizenship (e.g., political engagement), intergroup relations (e.g., prejudice and discrimination), and may inspire violence and extremism. We argue that conspiracy beliefs are likely to have the power to mobilise citizens in ways detrimental to a smooth-running society. We conclude the review by offering a range of fruitful avenues for future investigation.

COVID-19 大流行阐明了阴谋信念（将重要事件解释为强者的秘密行动）如何严重影响健康选择（例如减少感染预防行为）。然而，阴谋信念的后果远远超出了 COVID-19 的主题。这篇评论聚焦于阴谋信念如何影响公共和个人健康（例如，疫苗接种）、民主公民身份（例如，政治参与）、群体间关系（例如，偏见和歧视），并可能激发暴力和极端主义。我们认为，阴谋信念可能有能力以不利于社会平稳运行的方式动员公民。我们通过为未来的调查提供一系列富有成效的途径来结束审查。