QAnon Propaganda on Twitter as Information Warfare: Influencers, Networks, and Narratives (2207.05118v1)

Abstract: QAnon refers to a set of far-right, conspiratorial ideologies that have risen in popularity in the U.S. since their initial promotion in 2017 on the 4chan internet message board. A central narrative element of QAnon is that a powerful group of elite, liberal members of the Democratic Party engage in morally reprehensible practices, but that former U.S. President Donald J. Trump was prosecuting them. Five studies investigated the influence and network connectivity of accounts promoting QAnon on Twitter from August, 2020 through January, 2021. Selection of Twitter accounts emphasized on-line influencers and "persons of interest" known or suspected of participation in QAnon propaganda promotion activities. Evidence of large-scale coordination among accounts promoting QAnon was observed, demonstrating rigorous, quantitative evidence of "astroturfing" in QAnon propaganda promotion on Twitter, as opposed to strictly "grassroots" activities of citizens acting independently. Further, evidence was obtained supporting that networks of extreme far-right adherents engaged in organized QAnon propaganda promotion, as revealed by network overlap among accounts promoting far-right extremist (e.g., anti-Semitic) content and insurrectionist themes; New Age, occult, and "esoteric" themes; and internet puzzle games like Cicada 3301 and other "alternate reality games." Based on well-grounded theories and findings from the social sciences, it is argued that QAnon propaganda on Twitter in the months circa the 2020 U.S. Presidential election likely reflected joint participation of multiple actors, including nation-states like Russia, in innovative misuse of social media toward undermining democratic processes by promoting "magical" thinking, ostracism of Democrats and liberals, and salience of White extinction narratives common among otherwise ideologically diverse groups on the extreme far-right.

• The paper demonstrates coordinated QAnon propaganda through quantitative analyses of influencer networks and astroturfing patterns.
• It employs social network and sentiment analysis to uncover high-centrality accounts and unusual follower acquisition metrics.
• Findings reveal a convergence of QAnon, esoteric, and far-right narratives, highlighting strategic information warfare tactics.

Analysis of QAnon Propaganda on Twitter: An Examination of Influencers and Networks

The paper "QAnon Propaganda on Twitter as Information Warfare: Influencers, Networks, and Narratives" presents a comprehensive investigation into the dissemination of QAnon propaganda on Twitter during the politically charged period surrounding the 2020 U.S. Presidential election. The authors employ a series of five studies to explore the complex web of influencers, networks, and narratives that facilitated the propagation of QAnon ideologies. The research provides intricate quantitative analysis, challenging the notion that QAnon dissemination was purely a grassroots movement.

Key Findings and Methodologies

The research addresses several methodological approaches, including social network analysis and sentiment analysis of Twitter data. By examining a diverse set of accounts—including those explicitly linked to QAnon, esoteric themes, and far-right extremism—the authors uncover significant evidence of coordinated activity, or "astroturfing," within the network. Notably, the paper identifies various accounts linked to high follower acquisition rates and unusual network influence metrics like eigenvector centrality, which deviate from expected patterns. These findings suggest a level of orchestration behind the spread of QAnon propaganda that contradicts claims of spontaneous grassroots support.

One of the standout aspects of this research is the analysis revealing the convergence of QAnon themes with esoteric and New Age content. This blending of narratives may serve as a strategic approach to broaden QAnon's appeal and exploit cognitive biases associated with alternative thinking. The paper also highlights the overlap between QAnon networks and far-right extremist ideologies, indicating that these extremist elements were embedded within QAnon narratives well before the political transition in January 2021.

Implications and Theoretical Considerations

The paper's implications are multifaceted, shedding light on both theoretical and practical elements of information warfare in the digital age. Theoretical insights emerge from the application of systems justification theory and cognitive frameworks to understand how manipulated narratives can influence digital discourse and societal perceptions. Moreover, the presence of sophisticated astroturfing suggests deliberate exploitation of technological advances for political manipulation, a potent form of information warfare.

From a practical perspective, this research urges policymakers and technologists to reconsider the role of social media platforms as vectors for misinformation and societal disruption. Understanding the mechanisms of digital persuasion and coordinated influence campaigns is essential for developing strategies to mitigate their impact.

Future Directions

The spectrum of findings suggests several avenues for future research. Continued exploration into the identities and motivations behind coordinated propaganda efforts could provide deeper insights into potential nation-state involvements, such as Russia, which is suggested by several lines of evidence within the paper. Additionally, further examination into the interplay between digital astroturfing, psychological manipulation, and social media algorithms could elucidate more nuanced strategies for countering misinformation.

Conclusion

This paper presents a rigorous investigation into QAnon's propagation on Twitter, challenging assumptions about its organic development and revealing the systematic promotion of its narratives through sophisticated digital strategies. The integration of network analysis with thematic examination provides a robust framework for understanding the dynamics of online information warfare, offering vital insights for academics and practitioners alike.