Exploring the Digital in Conspiracy Theories with Religious Elements

Religious conspiracy theories with politically and socially relevant consequences are increasingly being created, disseminated and discussed by digital means.

Our project looks at the interactions between the digital shaping and (re-)creation of conspiracy theories and the non-digital effects on the actions, thoughts and feelings of the people affected by them – whether they be people who themselves actively participate in the relevant discourses and/or are the subject of the theories in question.

Methodologically, we work with both long-term participant observations and in-depth interviews (qualitative) as well as the analysis of large amounts of digital data (quantitative).

Specifically, our team focuses on three case studies:

1. Dissemination and perception of the «Great Exchange» theory by followers, as well as how it is perceived by and impacts Muslims affected by it online and offline
2. Dynamics of connection and rejection between manosphere/male supremacy supporters and Salafis, as well as the argumentation structures used for Salafi attitudes for and against male supremacy theories
3. Dynamics of practices associated with the belief that Satanic circles manipulate and sexually/ritually abuse people (taken up by the media under the term «Satanic panic»)