Attack on the Out-group: Conspiracy Stereotypes Online and the Galvanization of Believers and Authoritarians

Author: Molly Oakley

Field of Study: History

Program Affiliation: Source Project Research Program

Faculty Mentors: Matthew Cole

Easel: 99

Timeslot: Morning

Abstract: Recently, there has been a significant rise of conspiracy theories (CTs), and in particular conspiracy stereotypes (CTs about groups, instead of specific events), in online spaces, taking root in podcasts and short form video platforms like TikTok. This research seeks to understand this phenomenon’s role in the modern post-truth environment, focusing on the reaction of the audience who consume CTs online and how those people interact with authoritarian leaders in particular. By analyzing the CTs spread by internet users like Alex Jones and Joe Rogan, along with the reactions of their audiences both online and offline, this research will determine the overall impact that conspiratorial thinking has on support for authoritarianism and the attributes in which authoritarianism manifests. Moreover, by connecting these reactions to support of authoritarian leaders such as Donald Trump, we can further understand how these leaders use CTs, beyond personal support, to their advantage to gain and maintain power. In all, this research demonstrates the impact that belief in conspiracy stereotypes has on the demonization of out-groups and the authoritarian aggression that manifests as a result.