i think that’s what scares me about qanon too. it’s like an accessible cult that anyone can join at anytime. the problem is that so many people have written off media sources as being “corrupt” but what i think can actually counter qanon is non-government and non-media sources. it feels unnatural to me but blogs etc can be counter information. ultimately, i agree with those tags that this is a bigger issue that is almost impossible for the average person to solve, even if trying with one person
It’s scary and incredibly frustrating indeed as - in my view - any source with enough authority gets distrusted. I am really afraid that it’s not just government and traditional (more or less objective) media sources that are being distrusted as corrupt - anyone who will gather enough influence to pose a threat to those behind QAnon can at any time be labeled “part of the establishment” by them.
That is why I am afraid the only way to get an individual to consider other information that may snap them out of it is to (re-)win their trust. And indeed for everyone with a blog and a social media account to speak out about their distrust of QAnon, so people are exposed to opposing viewpoints.
It is a very big thing that will require more than just individuals trying to convince their family members - it’s important to find out who is behind it, as this conspiracy theorist is not just freely expressing themselves, this person is damaging democracy, spreading extremist and racist views, and inciting violence. So yeah, not our individual responsibility, but I do feel we need to spread awareness and do what we can to counter it. It’s really been keeping me out of my sleep.
Here’s the resources on QAnon cult recovery I found through that Subreddit I was sent.
The better arguments project is another interesting source I came across on my searches to figure out how the huge divide that’s becoming painfully apparent in the US (but also exists elsewhere) could be bridged.
