The QAnon movement and the mass radicalization of the New Right Cover Image

Ruch QAnon i masowa radykalizacja nowej prawicy
The QAnon movement and the mass radicalization of the New Right

Utilization of the structure of the Internet by an extremist conspiracy movement to gain followers and spread propaganda

Author(s): Aleksy Szymkiewicz
Subject(s): Law, Constitution, Jurisprudence, Government/Political systems, Radical sociology , Sociology of Politics, Identity of Collectives
Published by: Instytut Zachodni im. Zygmunta Wojciechowskiego
Keywords: QAnon; radicalization; extremism; conspiracy; internet movement; Web 2.0

Summary/Abstract: This article focuses on the description and case analysis of the phenomenon of QAnon- a radical extremist movement that is a new type of quasi-religious underground community, shaped by the structure of the Internet. The article highlights the most important aspects of the Q community and places them in a broader context. The text focuses on reconstructing the internal logic of the group and analyses the new type of Internet methods and practices. These strategies can be exploited by other movements with a similar profile since through their use, the QAnon has reached millions of recipients on social media platforms. The thesis of the article is based on the assumption that the movement is a community grown on the architecture of the Web 2.0 system, the consequences of which are detailed. The Q movement as a socio-cultural phenomenon has influenced the political radicalization ofpublic opinion not only in the United States, but also in European countries.

  • Issue Year: 383/2022
  • Issue No: 02
  • Page Range: 47-62
  • Page Count: 16
  • Language: English, Polish