I’ve read a few articles explaining why some people stubbornly cling to ridiculous beliefs. It’s not because of facts or logic; it’s because belief in utter bullshit is a requirement to remain part of a crowd in which they’re accepted. Science deniers and Trump humpers are basically members of the Bullshit Believers Club.
A lot of people just want to be included. They will usually pick what ma and pa brought them up to be. I was given the option to voice my opinion and then asked why I would believe whatever we were discussing. Later in life I would learn most kid I grew up with did not receive that option.
Beliefs and identities make people do some fucked up shit.