General

Government Urged to Address Root Causes of QAnon Beliefs Through Societal Reforms.

Bangkok: The complexity of the problem and the sensitivity of those who believe in the transnational fake news community QAnon, the far-right conspiracy theory, cannot be defeated by facts alone. It arises from bias, distrust of the government and various social institutions. According to Thai News Agency, anthropologists suggest that the government needs to restructure society, reduce inequality, and ensure transparency in its operations to effectively counter the influence of conspiracy theories like QAnon. These measures could play a crucial role in rebuilding trust and bringing awareness to those inclined to believe in such theories. The report emphasizes that simply debunking misinformation is insufficient to change the minds of QAnon followers. Instead, it advocates for addressing the underlying factors-such as social inequality and lack of government transparency-that contribute to the appeal of these conspiracy theories. By implementing these societal reforms, the government could help restore publi c faith in state institutions and reduce the traction of fake news networks. The anthropologists' recommendations highlight the importance of a comprehensive approach that goes beyond factual corrections and tackles the socio-political dynamics fueling conspiracy beliefs. This strategy aims to create a more informed and trusting society, thereby diminishing the influence of unfounded and harmful narratives. .