Constructing alternative facts: Populist expertise and the QAnon conspiracy

Communication research is increasingly concerned with the relationship between epistemological fragmentation and polarization. Even so, explanations for why partisans take up fringe beliefs are limited. This article examines right-wing conspiracy QAnon, which posits that anonymous poster “Q” a Trump administration insider who encourages followers (“Bakers”) to hidden truths behind current events. Drawing on qualitative fieldwork 8chan imageboard, we position baking as collective, knowledge-making activity built affordances of social media designed construct specific facts theories maintain QAnon’s cohesion over time. Bakers demonstrate populist expertise, rejection legacy accounts events in favor “alternative facts” constructed through their systematic programs. We emphasize politically ambivalent nature participatory culture argue casts doubt critical thinking or literacy solutions “post-truth” dilemmas like hyperpartisan disinformation.