“Q and the ABCs of spreading conspiracy theories.”

Whitney Phillips, assistant professor of communication and rhetorical studies in the College of Visual and Performing Arts, was interviewed by CBS Sunday Morning for the story “Q and the ABCs of spreading conspiracy theories.” Phillips, an expert in disinformation, explains how algorithms have helped QAnon gain a large following over the past three years. “What happens is that, based on your previous clicks or the previous clicks of people who are deemed to be like you by recommendation algorithms, you start getting fed more and more confirming information – not just about the conspiracy theory you’re looking into, but other conspiracy theories as well. Algorithms are feeding you the kinds of things, the kind of diet, it thinks you want to eat,” says Phillips.