Study Finds Young Male Gamers Twice as Likely to Believe Conspiracy Theories

A new report released in 2026 has found that young male gamers in the UK are twice as likely to believe in conspiracy theories than the country's general population. The study, conducted by research firm More in Common and The AKO Storytelling Institute at the University of Arts London, surveyed 2,000 British men aged 18 to 24 to better understand their media consumption habits and political leanings.

The demographic, dubbed “Sceptical Scrollers” by researchers, represents 10% of the UK population. These individuals typically have lower incomes, are more likely to be in debt, and are less likely to engage with traditional media like newspapers, radio, or terrestrial television. Instead, they rely heavily on YouTube, social media, and podcasts for their information. Despite this skepticism toward mainstream sources, the study found that this group plays video games more than any other demographic.

The Paradox of Confidence

Perhaps the most striking finding in the Gaming News sector is the disconnect between the group's beliefs and their self-perceived media literacy. The cohort that most strongly agreed with the notion that “secret groups are controlling global events” also reported being four times more confident in their ability to spot misinformation than the average person.

Researchers investigated whether video games could serve as a tool to reach this audience and combat misinformation. However, the findings suggest that the gaming community views their hobby as an essential escape. Participants expressed a clear desire for games to remain “free of political ideology,” preferring to keep their entertainment separate from the gritty, political reality of their daily lives.

Mixed Results for In-Game Messaging

When the study exposed participants to games featuring subtle messages regarding manipulation and misinformation, the reception was largely negative. Once the purpose of the games was explained, many participants reported feeling betrayed.

While the study concludes that video games are unlikely to be an effective vehicle for changing specific political beliefs, it does highlight the importance of games as a space for common ground. Rather than pushing overt agendas, the researchers suggest that titles encouraging critical thinking—such as Among Us or Papers, Please—may be more useful in fostering an environment where players can develop analytical skills on their own terms.