The Origins and Spread of QAnon

An anonymous user on 4chan, known as Q, began posting in late 2017, igniting the QAnon movement with conspiracy theories alleging a deep-state conspiracy involving Satanic pedophiles controlling the U.S. government and media. This movement gained traction through a combination of social media algorithms and misinformation, leading to a significant portion of the population embracing these unfounded beliefs. A 2023 survey indicated that around 25% of Americans perceived Wall Street, the media, and government as manipulated by this alleged cabal. As misinformation spread, QAnon's ideas intertwined with political rhetoric, impacting perceptions and fueling unsettling narratives during election cycles.