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What happens when an online conspiracy theory doesn’t come true? I’ve spoken to members of Stop the Steal groups, believers of QAnon - and their relatives after the inauguration.
Some are disappointed, questioning beliefs - others trusting the plan.
Here’s a thread!
Candy thinks the US election was rigged - and joined Stop the Steal Facebook groups.
Conspiracy theories like QAnon primed her to believe false voter fraud claims on social media - but she is not a hardcore Q believer.
After today, she still thinks the election was rigged.
Conspiracy theories like QAnon primed her to believe false voter fraud claims on social media - but she is not a hardcore Q believer.
After today, she still thinks the election was rigged.
I interviewed her for this report - and an upcoming one too.
She’s not as extreme as others - but probably more representative.
She’s fallen victim to viral conspiracies - believes Antifa stormed Capitol hill.
And her faith in democracy is gone. https://www.bbc.com/news/blogs-trending-55009950
She’s not as extreme as others - but probably more representative.
She’s fallen victim to viral conspiracies - believes Antifa stormed Capitol hill.
And her faith in democracy is gone. https://www.bbc.com/news/blogs-trending-55009950
I’ve spoken to a woman whose husband fell for QAnon and said Inauguration day would be “the most disappointing” of his life if it passes arrests or incident.
He had been stockpiling food, storing water - and preparing for the end of the world.
He had been stockpiling food, storing water - and preparing for the end of the world.
Viral online conspiracies cause real-world damage - they inspire violence, lead to personal, undermine democracy.
But on a personal level, it’s harmed her relationship with him.
Here’s a report I did about the son of a conspiracy influencer: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-54669239
But on a personal level, it’s harmed her relationship with him.
Here’s a report I did about the son of a conspiracy influencer: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-54669239
For some QAnon believers, their focus is less on the specifics of voter fraud and Trump’s departure - and more on the satanic paedophile ring.
Because child trafficking and abuse does exist, they think this proves the entire conspiracy theory.
Has QAnon grown beyond Trump?
Because child trafficking and abuse does exist, they think this proves the entire conspiracy theory.
Has QAnon grown beyond Trump?
Other believers - who thought the election was rigged and supported Trump no matter what - are totally dejected. Including those running pro-Trump sites.
This man got in touch to tell me “he’s left empty” and possibly wanting to end his life because of his dedication to Trump.
This man got in touch to tell me “he’s left empty” and possibly wanting to end his life because of his dedication to Trump.
Many of these are victims of viral conspiracies.
QAnon will evolve - and those feeling dejected will be left vulnerable to other extremist groups, with nothing to lose.
Relationships damaged, faith in democracy eroded.
Get in touch with your story. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/blogs-trending-54738471
QAnon will evolve - and those feeling dejected will be left vulnerable to other extremist groups, with nothing to lose.
Relationships damaged, faith in democracy eroded.
Get in touch with your story. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/blogs-trending-54738471
