How cynical social media branding feeds QAnon

To the editor: This remark in your article on the embrace of false QAnon conspiracy theories in California’s wellness neighborhood struck a chord: “Being controversial, taking definitive positions that make individuals love you or hate you, is a good way to construct your model.”Polarized social media advertising and marketing is so compelling that even essentially the most prudent enterprise usually should interact politically. Companies should discover a reference to prospects or lose them to others that pump up the quantity.Can individuals’s consideration as an alternative be drawn towards area people and democratic associations? Rather than being caught up within the subsequent rage, what individuals could be searching for is company, a technique to be heard, a technique to have an effect on the world round them. Moreover, when individuals come nose to nose with others with totally different political views to work collectively to resolve issues and construct bridges, they understand their variations are literally fairly minor.
Clark Evans, Chicago..To the editor: It’s horrifying that latest polls present 1 in 6 American adults believes the QAnon lie that Satan-worshiping pedophiles try to regulate the nation. It’s additionally horrifying that nonbelievers who had relationships with them are severing ties. How will QAnon adherents ever uncover the reality if they’re influenced solely by those that share their views?
There are individuals in my life with ideologies which are based mostly on a mistrust of our establishments, a denial that racism exists in our nation and a suspicion of immigrants. I keep relationships with these individuals as a result of I don’t wish to contribute to an “us versus them” mentality. Occasionally the chance presents itself to counsel a guide, an article or a documentary that may affect them. I view these individuals as conned, not loopy. Spreading misinformation could be very profitable. QAnon’s recognition is fueled by the truth that being controversial is a good way to earn cash. This playbook is used very efficiently within the media and in politics. If we retreat into our ideological bubbles, we’ll by no means have an opportunity to grasp or affect one another.Fiona Carroll, Mission Viejo

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