Re:Why 8kun Went Offline During the January 6 Hearings
by anigbrowl on Friday July 15, 2022 @05:09PM
(#32112839)
In a word, yes.
The CTs are not so 'clearly fabricated' to many people; CT adherents are often credulous people who self-select or are funneled into communities where they can find validation and reinforcement. Such communities may be engineered for or sustained by profit, fiscal or political.
In terms of aggression, many CTs are based on Manichean narratives of powerful evildoers suppressing hapless truth-seekers. Qanon in particular attracts people like this, as it posits a wicked conspiracy of elites that preys upon children. Offhand I can think of 4 murders where the alleged perpetrator was immersed in such beliefs. As Voltaire wrote, Those who can make you believe absurdities can make you commit atrocities.'
At the more cynical end, some people may not believe CTs but see an opportunity to weaponize them or an excuse to engage in behavior as a member of a group that would be unsanctioned if they acted as an individual. There's some research indicating about 30% of people are motivated by seeing others worse off, even at cost to themselves.
The CTs are not so 'clearly fabricated' to many people; CT adherents are often credulous people who self-select or are funneled into communities where they can find validation and reinforcement. Such communities may be engineered for or sustained by profit, fiscal or political.
In terms of aggression, many CTs are based on Manichean narratives of powerful evildoers suppressing hapless truth-seekers. Qanon in particular attracts people like this, as it posits a wicked conspiracy of elites that preys upon children. Offhand I can think of 4 murders where the alleged perpetrator was immersed in such beliefs. As Voltaire wrote, Those who can make you believe absurdities can make you commit atrocities.'
At the more cynical end, some people may not believe CTs but see an opportunity to weaponize them or an excuse to engage in behavior as a member of a group that would be unsanctioned if they acted as an individual. There's some research indicating about 30% of people are motivated by seeing others worse off, even at cost to themselves.