scholarly journals Panic, pizza and mainstreaming the alt-right: A social media analysis of Pizzagate and the rise of the QAnon conspiracy

2021 ◽  
pp. 001139212110348
Author(s):  
Paul Bleakley

The conspiracy theory known as ‘Pizzagate’ gained a cult following on alt-right forums, ultimately prompting one believer to conduct a shooting on the pizzeria identified by online conspiracists. A thematic analysis of 767 tweets referencing Pizzagate selected from five key intervention points in this timeframe reveals several factors influencing Pizzagate’s continued appeal over a four-year period. The article examines how an online alt-right conspiracy collective, QAnon, weaponized Pizzagate as part of its overarching campaign to attract support for President Donald Trump and worked to establish the theory as a popular (albeit false) narrative within the contemporary political zeitgeist.

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
◽  
Leah Johnston

<p>Research problem: The purpose of this case study was to identify the attitudes of reference archivists at Archives New Zealand towards the use of social media. Analysis of the results aimed to determine whether attitudes expressed were affecting the organization’s current use of social media. Methodology: Thematic analysis was employed to identify themes of attitudes expressed by the archivists during semi-structured interviews. In turn content analysis was undertaken to determine Archives New Zealand’s current use of social media. Results: Analysis of the data showed that archivists were able to see the opportunities that the use of social media could bring. Although some concerns were expressed the overall impression given that it would be used in future but first a strategic plan need be put in place. Implications: Although results provide some insight, as a relatively small study it would be beneficial for further research to be undertaken. Additionally, a similar study of user attitudes would provide a more balanced view of the use of social media at Archives New Zealand.</p>


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
◽  
Leah Johnston

<p>Research problem: The purpose of this case study was to identify the attitudes of reference archivists at Archives New Zealand towards the use of social media. Analysis of the results aimed to determine whether attitudes expressed were affecting the organization’s current use of social media. Methodology: Thematic analysis was employed to identify themes of attitudes expressed by the archivists during semi-structured interviews. In turn content analysis was undertaken to determine Archives New Zealand’s current use of social media. Results: Analysis of the data showed that archivists were able to see the opportunities that the use of social media could bring. Although some concerns were expressed the overall impression given that it would be used in future but first a strategic plan need be put in place. Implications: Although results provide some insight, as a relatively small study it would be beneficial for further research to be undertaken. Additionally, a similar study of user attitudes would provide a more balanced view of the use of social media at Archives New Zealand.</p>


BMJ Open ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (6) ◽  
pp. e029690 ◽  
Author(s):  
Laurence Astill Wright ◽  
Su Golder ◽  
Adam Balkham ◽  
J McCambridge

ObjectivesOn 1 May 2018 minimum unit pricing (MUP) of alcohol was introduced in Scotland. This study used Twitter posts to quantify sentiment expressed online during the introduction of MUP, conducted a thematic analysis of these perceptions and analysed which Twitter users were associated with which particular sentiments.Design and settingThis qualitative social media analysis captured all tweets relating to MUP during the 2 weeks after the introduction of the policy. These tweets were assessed using a mixture of human and machine coding for relevance, sentiment and source. A thematic analysis was conducted.Participants74 639 tweets were collected over 14 days. Of these 53 574 were relevant to MUP.ResultsStudy findings demonstrate that opinion on the introduction of MUP in Scotland was somewhat divided, as far as is discernible on Twitter, with a slightly higher proportion of positive posts (35%) than negative posts (28%), with positive sentiment stronger in Scotland itself. Furthermore, 55% of positive tweets/retweets were originally made by health or alcohol policy-related individuals or organisations. Thematic analysis of tweets showed some evidence of misunderstanding around policy issues.ConclusionsIt is possible to appreciate the divided nature of public opinion on the introduction of MUP in Scotland using Twitter, the nature of the sentiment around it and the key actors involved. It will be possible to later study how this changes when the policy becomes more established.


2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 694-694
Author(s):  
Tammy Mermelstein

Abstract Preparing for or experiencing a disaster is never easy, but how leaders communicate with older adults can ease a situation or make it exponentially worse. This case study describes two disasters in the same city: Hurricane Harvey and the 2018 Houston Texas Ice Storm and the variation in messaging provided to and regarding older adults. For example, during Hurricane Harvey, the primary pre-disaster message was self-preparedness. During the storm, messages were also about individual survival. Statements such as “do not [climb into your attic] unless you have an ax or means to break through,” generated additional fear for older adults and loved ones. Yet, when an ice storm paralyzed Houston a few months later, public messaging had a strong “check on your elderly neighbors” component. This talk will explore how messaging for these events impacted older adults through traditional and social media analysis, and describe how social media platforms assisted people with rescue and recovery. Part of a symposium sponsored by Disasters and Older Adults Interest Group.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tasnim M. A. Zayet ◽  
Maizatul Akmar Ismail ◽  
Kasturi Dewi Varathan ◽  
Rafidah M. D. Noor ◽  
Hui Na Chua ◽  
...  

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