The tendency to blame a single entity for disparate negative events isn't about logic but about satisfying a deep psychological need for order and control. This "derangement syndrome" provides a simple, pre-made narrative that assigns blame and creates a sense of understanding, regardless of evidence.

Due to overwhelming information in the digital age, people seek simplified, pre-digested narratives from trusted sources. This reliance on cognitive shortcuts and partisan 'team lines' accelerates societal division, as nuanced understanding is replaced by easily repeated talking points, creating an environment of informational warfare.

Humans crave control. When faced with uncertainty, the brain compensates by creating narratives and seeing patterns where none exist. This explains why a conspiracy theory about a planned event can feel more comforting than a random, chaotic one—the former offers an illusion of understandable order.

Humans have an innate tendency to oversimplify complex problems, a weakness exploited by divisive leaders. To counteract this, you must intentionally complicate your life by seeking out diverse groups and consuming media from informed people you disagree with, building resilience against vilification.

Constant exposure to global crises like political polarization causes a 'collective amygdala hijack,' putting society into a chronic defensive state that impairs higher-order thinking and empathy. In this state, we lose nuance, become more prone to tribalism, and are easier to control.

Donald Trump's debunked claim that immigrants were eating local pets illustrates a political tactic: linking an out-group to a disgusting act. This emotionally potent story bypasses rational thought, creating a powerful aversion that persists even after being fact-checked.

Anger is the emotion people are most likely to self-stimulate because it provides a potent neurological shortcut. It replaces anxiety and uncertainty with a feeling of clarity, energy, and focus, making it a tempting but dangerous short-term solution to complex problems.

A brain study revealed people prefer anger over joy or love. Anger is neurologically rewarding because it offers a simple, powerful feeling of being right and morally superior, making it a potent tool for political mobilization and a driver of tribalism.

Focusing on which political side is "crazier" misses the point. The fundamental danger is the psychological process of tribalism itself. It simplifies complex issues into "us vs. them," impairs rational thought, and inevitably leads to extremism on all sides.