Conspiracies, ideological entrepreneurs, and digital popular culture | Culture and communication in digital worlds

Author(s): Aaron Hyzen, Hilde Van den Bulck

Year of publication: 2021

Keywords: Conspiracism, Ideological entrepreneurs, Digital media affordances, Popular culture, Conspiracy theories, Mainstreaming, Fandom, Audience diversity, Alex Jones, QAnon

Methodology/Sample: _/_

Reference: Hyzen, A., & Van den Bulck, H. (2021). Conspiracies, ideological entrepreneurs, and digital popular culture. Media and Communication, 9(3), 179-188. https://doi.org/10.17645/mac.v9i3.4092

Abstract

This contribution starts from the contemporary surge in conspiracism to develop a theoretical framework to understand how conspiracy theories make it from the margins to the mainstream. To this end, it combines a view of conspiracy theories as ideology and its propagandists as ideological entrepreneurs with insights into how the affordances of digital media and popular culture are instrumental in propagating the conspiracy theories. It further complements sociological and psychological explanations with a fandom perspective to grasp the diversity of conspiracy audiences. Together, it is argued, these factors allow ideological entrepreneurs to push conspiracy theories from the margins to the mainstream. Alex Jones and QAnon are discussed as cases in point.

> Summary

The paper explores the rise of conspiracism and its transition from the margins to mainstream culture.
It combines ideological perspectives with insights from digital media and popular culture.
The study emphasizes the role of ideological entrepreneurs like Alex Jones and QAnon in propagating conspiracy theories.
It incorporates a fandom perspective to understand the diverse motivations of conspiracy audiences.
The paper argues that conspiracy theories often serve ideological goals, reflecting broader political commitments.

> Problem statement

The paper addresses the surge in conspiracism and its transition from margins to mainstream culture.
It explores how ideological entrepreneurs utilize digital media to propagate conspiracy theories.
The study aims to understand the dynamics of conspiracy audiences through a fandom perspective.
It emphasizes the need for a comprehensive framework to analyze the ideological goals of conspiracy theories.

> Methods used

The paper employs a theoretical framework to analyze the surge in conspiracism and its mainstreaming process.
It combines sociological, psychological, and fandom perspectives to understand conspiracy audiences.
The research discusses ideological entrepreneurs and their role in propagating conspiracy theories through digital media.
Propaganda is defined as a sustained communication campaign aimed at ideological goals and loyalty consolidation.
The study critiques existing methodologies in conspiracism research, highlighting potential biases.

> Practical implications

The paper highlights how conspiracy theories transition from fringe to mainstream through ideological entrepreneurs like Alex Jones and QAnon.
It emphasizes the role of digital media in spreading conspiracy theories, enhancing their reach and impact.
The findings suggest that understanding conspiracism requires integrating sociological, psychological, and fandom perspectives to address diverse audiences.
The research indicates that ideological entrepreneurs utilize propaganda to maintain relevance and influence public opinion.
It underscores the importance of recognizing the interplay between popular culture and conspiracy theories in contemporary society.