99% of people base their beliefs without an open mind or thorough research. This goes both ways.
For example, Bob denies (insert religion here) because it sounds like a made up fairy tale. He (whether intentionally or not) does a little bit of research from biased authors to prove this or simply does not go deep enough or focuses on one particular category of info and basically just does enough to satisfy what he wants to believe. He may or may not be right; he basically has a 50/50 chance.
Joe was raised all his life to be a devout (insert religion here). He actually does do some research because he starts having doubts about his religion. After doing some either biased or unthorough research he finally comes to the conclusion that of course his particular religion is true. He again in all actuality only has around a 50/50 chance.
Then there's the unique and rare guy named Steve. He realizes that since he access to tons of info in the modern world that there should be truth out there that almost definitely proves one way or the other of any issue he wants to know about that is debated. He researches heavily on both sides of the story. He becomes obsessed over it. At first he is very open to both sides and at the same time very confused. Right when he thinks he understand, he realizes ____ doesn't make sense. Eventually, though, everything does come together and makes full sense. Although he may still not be clear on some very minor points, he very clearly sees the big picture and all the available facts that verifies it. This was almost impossible to be until very recently, and still very much is in many fields of science. This is a very very rare person that is impossible to 100% be, but someone could come very close.
This can also be applied to any conspiracy theory, true or not. I just used religion as an example that everyone should be able to somehow relate to.
Most people will probably not understand and/or agree with this post, but this post is the story of me. But basically it all boils down to most people form a conclusion and then verifying it with research (while really not being open to any other conclusion) , rather than completely learn about a topic then form a conclusion (which actually takes time, effort,dedication, and mental strength.)
And I know almost everyone who actually read that post will completely disagree with me. In doing so, you kinda in a way proved my point
The truth is out there. (insert x-files music here)
