Tiffany, 2020

The Allure of Instagram Aesthetics in Repackaging QAnon

The article delves into how the visual aesthetics of Instagram are being used to repackage and spread the QAnon conspiracy theory.

An example is given of Jalynn Schroeder, a Utah-based influencer, who subtly incorporates the QAnon motto "WWG1WGA" (Where we go one, we go all) into her posts.
QAnon is described as a flexible and convoluted conspiracy theory positing that President Donald Trump is battling a "deep state" and a ring of pedophiles and child traffickers.
It is an evolution of Pizzagate, which led to a man attacking a pizza restaurant in 2016 based on false claims of a pedophilia ring.
Schroeder's Instagram feed includes typical influencer content like manicures, fashion, and gummy vitamins, alongside subtle nods to QAnon in her stories and captions.
She shared a video explaining her conversion to QAnon, prompted by concerns about child trafficking.
Comments on her QAnon-related video mirror those on her regular posts, indicating a normalization of the conspiracy theory among her followers.

Instagram, known for its aspirational and luxurious content, has become a platform for paranoid thinking, similar to other online spaces.
Influencers combine distrust of the media and religious gratitude toward QAnon with sponsored posts for fashion and beauty products.
Concerns about child trafficking, a real issue, serve as an entry point for many into the QAnon world, although QAnon's portrayal of it is distorted.
A claim about Wayfair being a middleman for child trafficking spread among Instagram influencers.
The Instagram account @little.miss.patriot, which shares QAnon theories with a Millennial-oriented aesthetic, gained a large following.
Posts use pastel colors and glitter, featuring conspiracy theories about celebrities and claims about a "deep state" involved in child trafficking and adrenochrome use.

Unlike typical conspiracy theory content found in obscure corners of the internet, QAnon on Instagram lacks the usual visual cues that signal misinformation.
The warm, glamorous facade of Instagram makes the entry into the "rabbit hole" seamless.

The author contacted numerous women posting about QAnon or related theories, but few responded, and some were hostile.
Those who did respond expressed concern about child trafficking but lacked extensive knowledge of QAnon or were unaware of their influence by QAnon proponents.
Lana Michele, a fashion influencer, supports the spread of awareness about child trafficking, even if it involves QAnon followers.
Claire Thibault, an aspiring blogger, learned about child trafficking through fashion influencers and cited accounts that share QAnon and Pizzagate theories as information sources.
Some individuals believe in the right to express oneself online, even if they don't believe in QAnon.
Michelle Merenda, a parenting blogger, researches child trafficking through hashtags like #QAnon, #pedogate, and #Pizzagate, acknowledging they are conspiracy theories but finding questions she wants to explore.

While Facebook (owner of Instagram) removed some QAnon content, it still flourishes on the platform, especially in private groups.
Instagram facilitates the discovery of QAnon through hashtag searches and its recommendations algorithm.
An Instagram spokesperson stated the platform is constantly reviewing its policies to ensure safety.
QAnon's presence on Instagram resembles stan Twitter, with its own merch, microcelebrities, and digital evangelism.
Nearly 2 million Instagram posts use the hashtag #WWG1WGA, and over 800,000 use #TheGreatAwakening.

Travis View notes that QAnon followers will support anyone who acknowledges or caters to their views, making it a "social-media cheat code" for influencers.
Influencers, who previously avoided contentious issues, now engage in more authentic content, strengthening their bonds with followers.
Followers may trust influencers on political issues if they trust them on personal matters.

Sophie Bishop identifies a feminine-coded aesthetic in QAnon-related Instagram accounts, making them aspirational and relatable.
This aesthetic can help normalize disinformation and dangerous ideas, as influencers are seen as more authentic and trustworthy than mainstream media.

Taylor Lorenz argued that Instagram, more than other platforms, shows users what they want to see, creating a habitual space for seeking happiness and presenting a pleasing image.
Instagram is seen as "women's work," demanding skills in presenting as lovely, desirable, safe, and nonthreatening, which are valuable appearances for a conspiracy theory.
The platform's algorithm focuses on beautiful surfaces rather than the content's message.

Becca Lewis notes that disinformation is disseminated by mainstream accounts with appealing aesthetics, not just fringe spaces.
These accounts may focus on non-extremist content initially, then draw followers to platforms like YouTube to share personal stories and conspiracy theories.
Attaching conspiracy theories to a covetable aesthetic normalizes them, which Instagram is particularly effective at facilitating.

The author shares a personal experience of being drawn to an account, @indyblue_, that embodies an appealing aesthetic while promoting conspiracy theories.
The author reflects on how their reliance on Instagram for lifestyle guidance made them susceptible to trusting these curated images.

The article concludes with a warning about the deceptive nature of Instagram aesthetics and their potential to normalize dangerous conspiracy theories like QAnon.
It highlights the importance of critical thinking and awareness when navigating the visually appealing but potentially misleading content on social media platforms. This underscores the need to be vigilant and discerning about the information consumed online.