Understanding Anti-Science, Conspiracism, and Anti-Intellectualism in Belgium: A Survey-Based Analysis

Anti-science rhetoric, conspiratorial thinking, and anti-intellectualism have emerged as potent forces shaping public attitudes and undermining trust in democratic and epistemic institutions. This study leverages data from a nationally representative survey in Belgium (N = 1.500) to examine the socio-economic, cultural, and psychological factors underpinning these interconnected trends. The analysis focuses on the role of interest in politics, trust in mainstream and social media, income inequality, and exposure to misinformation in shaping anti-science and conspiratorial beliefs. Additionally, it examines how the influence of distrust in institutions, coupled with perceptions of social injustice, drives skepticism toward intellectual and scientific authorities. By integrating these dimensions, our study illuminates the pathways through which anti-scientific and conspiratorial narratives gain traction in society. These findings provide actionable insights into addressing the challenges posed by anti-intellectualism in contemporary democracies.