Down the Rabbit Hole: QAnon's Esoteric Practices of Truth Production
Basic data for this talk
Type of talk: scientific talk
Name der Vortragenden: Hartmann, Daria
Date of talk: 13/09/2024
Talk language: English
Information about the event
Name of the event: Conspiracy Theories and Religion. Examining the Intersection from a Religious Studies Perspective
Event period: 12/09/2024 - 13/09/2024
Event location: Zürich
Organised by: Loïc Bawidamann (Universität Zürich) und Daria Hartmann (Universität Münster)
Abstract
The rise of Web 2.0 and social media has played a crucial role in the proliferation of conspiracy theories like QAnon by enabling marginalized individuals to actively participate in constructing and disseminating alternative narratives, challenging established sources of authority and claiming agency in the pursuit of knowledge. From a religious studies perspective, QAnon exhibits striking parallels to esoteric traditions, which emphasize the attainment of secret wisdom and the existence of groups of enlightened individuals. The deciphering of cryptic messages (QDrops) and the collaborative meaning-making process that occurs within QAnon communities draws parallels to esoteric practices of truth-seeking and knowledge production. This paper aims to investigate the practices of truth production employed by QAnon through the lens of esoteric ideas of truth. By examining the discursive parallels between esoteric actors and QAnon, this study seeks to evaluate the utility of this theoretical perspective for understanding conspiratorial truth-making practices in the digital age.Keywords: QAnon; Religion; Esotericism; Truth; Media; Technology; Conspiracy Theories
Speakers from the University of Münster
| Hartmann, Daria | Department of Religious Studies |