The problem with conspiracy theorists, particularly those critical of mainstream narratives is they, in order to make sense of the world, impose similar narratives. That's not to imply everything conspiracy theorists say is nonsense just that often what they claim is a conspiracy is quite transparently not one. It's most often what people have sleep-walked into or even voted for.

Take surveillance: as often as not it is driven by wrong-headed politics appealing to wrong headed voters. By proclaiming conspiracy it can delegitimise existing organisations opposed to surveillance, by coupling opposition to surveillance with so many other issues it is bound to alienate a large group of people at least some of the time.

Prominent conspiracy theorists are Judas Goats. Sometimes inadvertently, sometimes deliberately. Organisations like the National Council for Civil Liberties, EFF, Privacy International (excuse the UK-ish bias) and cypherpunks have been a far bigger pain the arse to governments regarding surveillance than people and conspiracies so toxic they turn gay frogs straight. Other conspiracy turds in the punchbowls and legitimate organisations/people apply.