A network-based approach to QAnon user dynamics during COVID-19 infodemic
release_4miscktmjvd3tmzs7znqbh6pyu
by
Wentao Xu, Kazutoshi Sasahara
2021
Abstract
QAnon is an umbrella conspiracy theory that encompasses a wide spectrum of
people. The COVID-19 pandemic has helped raise QAnon conspiracy theory to a
wide-spreading movement, especially in the US. Here, we study users' dynamics
on Twitter related to the QAnon movement (i.e., pro-/anti-QAnon and swing
users) in the context of the COVID-19 infodemic and the topics involved using a
network-based approach. We find that it is not easy for swing users to convert
their attitudes, although Twitter is suspending malicious pro-QAnon users as
much as possible. We also find that QAnon clusters include many bot users.
Furthermore, our results suggest that QAnon continues to evolve amid the
infodemic and does not limit itself to its original idea, but instead, extends
its reach to create a much larger umbrella conspiracy theory. A network-based
approach in this study is important for both nowcasting and forecasting the
evolution of the QAnon movement.
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