How can somebody be naive and paranoid at the same time?

Question

I'm just curious because I heard someone being described this way. I always thought that these were opposite meanings. For example, someone who is naive thinks that everything is fine and daindy, while a paranoid person thinks negative!

Answer 1

A lot of stereotyping and bigotry is the result of this sort of combination. People who are naive and inexperienced are much less likely to question the information they receive from politicians and the media. This is why there was so much paranoia about Irish people in the 70's & 80's and so much paranoia about muslims now.

Cambridge dictionary's definition of niave;
too ready to believe someone or something, or to trust that someone's intentions are good, esp. because of a lack of experience

Cambridge dictionary's definition of paranoid;
1 feeling extremely anxious and worried because you believe that other people do not like you or are trying to harm you:
He started feeling paranoid and was convinced his boss was going to fire him.

2 SPECIALIZED suffering from a mental illness in which you believe that other people are trying to harm you:
He was diagnosed as a paranoid schizophrenic.
paranoid delusions

Answer 2

It could also be possible that they are naive to be so paranoid-- Sometimes paranoia is based in ignorance.
Isn't all fear?

Answer 3

Either that person is confused or they have no idea what they are talking bout.