Research Guides: Evaluating Media in the Age of Fake News: QAnon: A Dangerous Conspiracy Theory

QAnon

Conspiracy theories have always been appealing, but the internet has made it possible for them t Q block on table o spread faster and more virulently than ever before. Some are downright dangerous, and so while the Library doesn't usually analyze them, we'd like to take a look at QAnon, one of the fastest-growing conspiracy theories around. It's spreading misinformation on a huge scale, and has sparked violence in several cases.

What is QAnon? It's a complex, ever-changing set of conspiracy theories "that allege, falsely, that the world is run by a cabal of Satan-worshiping pedophiles who are plotting against Mr. Trump while operating a global child sex-trafficking ring." (source) Q is the name of a person who claims to be highly-ranked in military intelligence, and who 'drops' cryptic hints and statements that purport to predict President Trump's imminent victory over the cabal. Adherents ignore the failed predictions and look for evidence that their theories are real.

The most likely candidate for Q's identity is Jim Watkins and his son Ron. Watkins lives in the Philippines and is not in US military intelligence.

Added February 2021: Now that January has passed without "the Storm" arriving, the Q conspiracy theory has experienced a sudden deflation. Jim Watkins called for people to "move on." Some few still cling to March as a new deadline, but many are simply disappointed and adrift. Unfortunately, a number of extremist groups have rushed to take advantage and are actively recruiting disappointed Q adherents. If you have friends or family who got into Q and are now feeling lost, reach out to them and offer comfort and support. Try to find non-political interests to fill the void left by the collapse of QAnon.

We've collected several articles so that you can learn more about this. They come from a variety of reputable sources and feature a spectrum of political position, but they all agree that QAnon is spreading dangerous misinformation. Articles from the New York Times can be accessed for free through Butte College's subscription.

Note: QAnon claims to be against child trafficking, but has no actual effect. You can truly help fight trafficking and modern slavery by getting to know the organizations that are really out there, making a real difference. Charity Navigator, an organization dedicated to evaluating non-profits, has a list of five top-rated groups working to end trafficking and slavery. Each name will take you to a thorough analysis of the organization, and allow you to donate. A donation to a reputable organization will do so much more than a hashtag.

The Atlantic put together a large online project about conspiracy theories. There is a limit to how many you can access for free, so choose carefully; links to the most relevant pieces are provided here (one is a freebie from our databases).

The Prophecies of Q (Nothing Can Stop What is Coming) [free in database]: a thorough look at Q.
I Was a Teenage Conspiracist: A memoir that also discusses why human beings are attracted to conspiracy theories
The Conspiracy Theory to Rule Them All: Anti-Semitism is embedded in so many conspiracy theories, and QAnon is no exception. This article tells the story of the most popular anti-Semitic text, The Protocols of the Elders of Zion. (It was written by a Russian noble in 1903, and plagiarized a hundred-year-old French satire about Napoleon III. It was proven a forgery within a decade, yet its popularity won't die.)

Some articles from the New York Times:

What is QAnon? A good run-down of the whole thing.
We Are Not Going to Fact-Check Our Way Out of QAnon: conspiracy theories are resistant to logic and simply flex around argument.
Mothers for QAnon: why are so many women attracted to Q?
When the World Seems Like One Big Conspiracy: why people like these theories, and why they're not plausible

From the New Republic: Americans Anonymous. It's a movement.

From Huffpost: QAnon Undermines Legitimate Anti-Trafficking Efforts

From the National Review, a long-standing conservative publication:

The Age of QAnon Politics: It's a worrying prospect.
RNC Speaker Pulled After Sharing Anti-Semitic QAnon Tweets: the GOP is struggling to stamp out QAnon, despite President Trump's tacit approval of the theory.
VP Pence dismisses QAnon, says he knows nothing about it. (Adherents retaliated by claiming Pence is part of the Deep State.)
QAnon and "Esoteric Trumpism": the writer thinks true believers are disappointed by Trump, but double down with conspiracy theory.

A Baptist pastor's plea for truth: QAnon: The Rise of 'Restless Evil.'

Daily Dot: QAnon Conspiracy Isn't New; It's the Oldest Scam Out There.

Medium: A Game Designer Analyzes QAnon

Photo by Wesley Tingey on Unsplash