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Chapter 8 - QAnon in the Year 2020

The Bigger Social Picture

from Part III - QAnon and Society

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  14 September 2023

By
Charles P. Edwards
Edited by
Monica K. Miller
Monica K. Miller
Affiliation:
University of Nevada, Reno
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Summary

QAnon started in late 2017 but gained traction and attention in 2020 amidst a chaotic social climate which is critical for understanding QAnon and its growth. This chapter presents evidence that QAnon-related traffic on social media increased during the pandemic, both domestically and globally, and offers anecdotal evidence of how QAnon’s messaging has changed as it has spread internationally, adopting nation-specific issues. Next, the chapter offers psychological explanations for these trends. Conspiracy theories flourish in times of uncertainty and group membership can provide meaningful connections that alleviate isolation. Conspiracies are more believed by people who also believe that society’s values are being threatened—an effect called system identity threat. Terror management theory suggests that reminders of death might affect the sentiment of individual people and society in general. Finally, mortality salience can promote following of religious beliefs. As a quasi-religious group, QAnon could have gained support due to mortality salience. The uncertainty and threats of 2020 might have contributed to QAnon’s popularity.

Keywords

COVID-19Black Lives Matter2020 electionsocial mediaconspiracy theorygroup membershipsystem identity threatterror management theory
Type
Chapter
Information
The Social Science of QAnon
A New Social and Political Phenomenon
 , pp. 123 - 139
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Print publication year: 2023

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