Shapeshifters & Starseeds: Curated Evidence Collection, Generous Epistemology, and Disinformation on Conspiracy TikTok

• In Event: 50667 - Challenging epistemic institutions: Unruly knowledge, outlaw technology, and fringe-mainstream relations

Abstract

Locations in systems of power influence individuals’ and groups’ abilities to engage in (il)legitimate modes of knowledge production. Conspiratorial communities, often positioned against shadowy, exclusionary “powers that be,” may appeal to social groups historically and contemporarily barred from more esteemed forms of knowledge production. Despite literature revealing virtually all Americans believe at least one conspiracy theory, however, conspiracy theorists are often stereotyped as white men. To understand the relationship between conspiratorial content, identity, and epistemology, we analyze 202 conspiracy videos from Conspiracy TikTok, or ConspiracyTok. The diverse, often young creators of ConspiracyTok employ identity markers and TikTok’s affordances to foster a sense of intimacy, building trust amongst audience members and potentially increasing their claims’ believability. Using curated evidence collection, ConspiracyTok creators emulate the techniques of legitimate visual knowledge production to tell compelling stories that provide simple answers to complicated questions. Widespread institutional mistrust and historical exclusion from knowledge production may lead members of minoritized groups to turn to conspiracies, where their epistemic authority and personal experiences are valued. ConspiracyTok’s generous epistemology lets audiences benefit from the pleasure of participating in research and close reading, collectively uncovering “hidden knowledge” that serves as a boundary object between otherwise diverse communities.

Authors

• Alice Marwick, Data & Society

• Courtlyn Pippert, Coker University

• Katherine Furl, University of North Dakota

• Elaine Schnabel, Weber State University