![]() Conspiracy theorists offer simple solutions to social problems, while science often does not typically offer comparably compelling narratives that might thwart these ideas.įortunately, our ability to understand conspiracy theories is not an obscure art - there are entire fields devoted to it. Common sentiments among those involved with QAnon include feelings of loneliness, suffering, concern for the future, and an overall sense that something isn't right in the world. This is partially because these alternative belief systems are crafted in a way that exploits the real human suffering that exists in society. The work done in these fields is key to undoing the damage of things like QAnon.Īttempts to debunk and debate conspiracy theorists often do not resolve divisions. Our ability to understand conspiracy theories is not an obscure art - there are entire fields devoted to it. QAnon was an example of this - it effectively folded many different facets of American life into one narrative that seemed absurd to outsiders. One of the ways conspiracy theorists and figures pushing falsifiable narratives are able to attract adherents to their belief system is by offering compelling narratives that tapped into the fears and desires of the public. There's no doubt that new technologies have sped up the rate and reach of "alternative beliefs." But just because an idea is available for public consumption doesn't mean that people will necessarily adopt those ideas. Many social scientists and journalists are quick to paint a narrative which blames social media and other new communications technologies. Wright Mills argued in " The Sociological Imagination," when large sectors of a society each experience social problems, it indicates not a personal failure on anyone's part rather, it points to underlying problems in the makeup and structure of society. My response is that we need to look for the underlying social conditions that makes beliefs in these ideas not only plausible alternatives to individuals, but widely popular. QAnon was successful because it had an evangelical component that encouraged individuals to recruit others to the movement.Īs someone who researches conspiracy theories, I'm often asked why people believe in fantastical ideas. ![]()
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