Are Conspiracy Theories All Bad?

The New York Times condescends to discuss conspiracy theory.  Amidst all the hand-wringing and psychologising, no consideration is given to the motivation to lump disparate concerns together.  There is a benefit to mental stability and social cohesion from deflecting discussion of conspiracies onto conspiracy theories, and from there to conspiracy theorists.  Just what drives them?  What makes them tick?  This is a question that can and should be asked of everyone.