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Conspiracy as ARG: media and game essence of QAnon
- Authors: Algavi L.O.1, Budtsov G.A.1, Kovalev G.S.1, Skvortsova N.1,2
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Affiliations:
- Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia (RUDN University)
- E.M. Primakov Georgian-Russian Public Center
- Issue: Vol 28, No 1 (2023)
- Pages: 137-145
- Section: JOURNALISM
- URL: https://journals.rudn.ru/literary-criticism/article/view/34363
- DOI: https://doi.org/10.22363/2312-9220-2023-28-1-137-145
- EDN: https://elibrary.ru/KTICQW
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Abstract
The results of a comparative analysis of the functional features of the QAnon theory and the conceptual signs of ARG (games in alternative reality) are displayed. The signs of ARG are designated and given as elements of the reference game model, the basis for comparison. The authors found that the QAnon conspiracy theory, the history of its emergence and development features is of a synthetic nature: ARG elements are present in modified form. They transform the roles of developers and participants. The QAnon quest structure was visualized, the gameplay based on experiencing the state of apophenia - a painful search for a connection between random phenomena or events - was described. The similarities of QAnon with religion and at the same time political ideology based on the mechanics of the game were identified, which explains its popularity. The relevance of the topic is due to the steady growth in the number of conspiracy theories and their followers since the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic against the backdrop of audience distrust in the media. The authors demonstrate how QAnon, not being essentially a game in an alternative reality, but using game technologies and eschatological narratives about the Great Tribulation and Judgment Day, achieves high efficiency in shaping public opinion.
About the authors
Leyla O. Algavi
Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia (RUDN University)
Author for correspondence.
Email: algavi-lo@rudn.ru
ORCID iD: 0000-0001-5335-8506
Candidate of Philology, Associate Professor, Department of Theory and History of Journalism, Faculty of Philology
10 Miklukho-Maklaya St, bldg 2, Moscow, 117198, Russian FederationGregory A. Budtsov
Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia (RUDN University)
Email: 1032173819@rudn.ru
ORCID iD: 0000-0002-0214-5794
Master's student (Modern International Journalism), Faculty of Philology
10 Miklukho-Maklaya St, bldg 2, Moscow, 117198, Russian FederationGeorgy S. Kovalev
Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia (RUDN University)
Email: 1042210127@rudn.ru
ORCID iD: 0000-0002-0097-3633
PhD student, Department of Theory and History of Journalism, Faculty of Philology
10 Miklukho-Maklaya St, bldg 2, Moscow, 117198, Russian FederationNino Skvortsova
Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia (RUDN University); E.M. Primakov Georgian-Russian Public Center
Email: nino.skvortsova@gmail.com
ORCID iD: 0000-0003-0470-7508
project coordinator, E.M. Primakov Georgian-Russian Public Center; political observer of the informational and analytical platform Press Club Jayran Media; PhD student, Department of Public Policy and State and Law History, Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia (RUDN University)
10 Miklukho-Maklaya St, bldg 2, Moscow, 117198, Russian Federation; 2 Baku St, Tbilisi, GeorgiaReferences
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