Today, the proliferation of conspiracy theories has become a prevalent issue, often fueled by the expansive reach of digital forums and social media platforms. A collaborative project led by Annett Heft, Kilian Buehling, Xixuan Zhang (all Freie University of Berlin/Weizenbaum Institute), research on the complex nuances of online communication surrounding conspiracy narratives.
In their investigation, they analyze conspiracy-related communication on social media platforms like 4chan and Reddit, and Twitter, as both the origin for radicalized user communities, and avenues for disseminate conspiracy theories. Central to their findings is the recognition of platform-specific influences on communication dynamics. From the anonymity and volatility of discourse on 4chan to the more regulated environment of Twitter, each platform exerts distinct pressures on the language and tone of conspiracy discourse. Moreover, the team’s research emphasizes the evolving nature of these communication patterns over time, highlighting the adaptive behaviors employed by users partaking in conspiracy-related discourse in response to platform changes.
Beyond documenting these phenomena, the project emphasizes the importance of understanding the “how” alongside the “what” of online communication. By dissecting the linguistic subtleties and dissemination strategies employed by conspiracy theorists, the team aims to provide crucial insights for combating the spread of misinformation and fostering healthier digital discourse.
For more information on the project (in german), please click here.