How cynical social media branding feeds QAnon

To the editor: This remark in your article on the embrace of false QAnon conspiracy theories in California’s wellness group struck a chord: “Being controversial, taking definitive positions that make folks love you or hate you, is an effective way to construct your model.”Polarized social media advertising and marketing is so compelling that even essentially the most prudent enterprise usually should interact politically. Companies should discover a reference to clients or lose them to others that pump up the quantity.Can folks’s consideration as a substitute be drawn towards area people and democratic associations? Rather than being caught up within the subsequent rage, what folks is likely to be looking for is company, a approach to be heard, a approach to have an effect on the world round them. Moreover, when folks come nose to nose with others with completely different political views to work collectively to unravel issues and construct bridges, they notice their variations are literally fairly minor.
Clark Evans, Chicago..To the editor: It’s scary that latest polls present 1 in 6 American adults believes the QAnon lie that Satan-worshiping pedophiles are attempting to regulate the nation. It’s additionally scary that nonbelievers who had relationships with them are severing ties. How will QAnon adherents ever uncover the reality if they’re influenced solely by those that share their views?
There are folks in my life with ideologies which might be based mostly on a mistrust of our establishments, a denial that racism exists in our nation and a suspicion of immigrants. I keep relationships with these folks as a result of I don’t wish to contribute to an “us versus them” mentality. Occasionally the chance presents itself to counsel a ebook, an article or a documentary which may affect them. I view these folks as conned, not loopy. Spreading misinformation could be very profitable. QAnon’s reputation is fueled by the truth that being controversial is an effective way to earn cash. This playbook is used very efficiently within the media and in politics. If we retreat into our ideological bubbles, we’ll by no means have an opportunity to know or affect one another.Fiona Carroll, Mission Viejo