How to Detect and Report QAnon Content on Facebook and Other Platforms
We all have opinions and beliefs that may seem strange to others, but sometimes these ideas escalate into dangerous movements like QAnon.
QAnon began in 2017 with a mysterious poster known as “Q,” which wrote detailed conspiratorial messages on a kind of anonymous message board that tends to become the epicenter of all online absurdity. This “Q” claims that Donald Trump is waging a secret holy war against the “Deep State” of the US government, which leads a cult of Satan-worshiping Democrats, media moguls, Hollywood elites and Silicon Valley leaders. This cult appears to control a vast network of child trafficking for the purpose of sexual exploitation and is engaged in cannibalism, genetic manipulation and human sacrifice.
Yes, and John F. Kennedy Jr. is apparently alive and expected to be confirmed as President Trump’s nominee (instead of Vice President Mike Pence) at any moment. Q obviously knows all this because they are, by the way, time travelers with the highest level of security clearance.
As crazy as it sounds, the theory quickly spread across major social media platforms. The movement has members around the world, and now masses of QAnon supporters regularly appear at Trump rallies. QAnon is believed by many politicians, and President Trump has spoken positively about the movement and even retweeted QAnon-related content. There is even a QAnon PAC. This is no longer just a marginal movement, and it is much stranger (and more dangerous) than your usual conspiracy theory.
How to find QAnon on the Internet
QAnon is actively developing to hide in plain sight and spread its message, but there are still recognizable signs and slogans associated with the movement.
Followers call themselves “Announcers”, “Digital Soldiers” and “Q-Army”, and their motto is “Where we go – one, we go – all”, often abbreviated as “WWG1WGA”. They also use phrases such as “The Tempest” or “The Great Awakening” to describe the spread of their ideas and Trump’s eventual victory over the Deep State.
Then, of course, there is the “Q” logo, which often features the American flag pattern. It appears on flags, memes, profile photos, bumper stickers, flyers, tattoos – anywhere, really.
These are obvious symbols of movement, but there are more subtle clues to watch out for. The group often hides behind hashtags and phrases related to child abuse and sex trafficking. The recent buzz from conservative groups about the Netflix film Cuties is driven in part by QAnon’s ideas.
They also love to spread misinformation about COVID-19 – like drinking bleach or using dangerous medications as treatment.
In addition, there are far-right publications like Info Wars and Breitbart that regularly post theories and dog whistles related to QAnon, even if they don’t directly link to the conspiracy.
Should I report non-QAnon content on social media?
Nobody likes the Snitch, but QAnon isn’t just some wacky conspiracy group; this is a dangerous movement. Members often advocate extremist action, and several real-life killings and kidnappings have been motivated by QAnon and related conspiracies such as Pizzagate. The FBI states that QAnon is a public threat and that there is even a bipartisan attempt to suppress the cultural influence of QAnon.
Facebook, Instagram, Reddit, Patreon, Twitter, TikTok, LinkedIn, and YouTube are actively removing QAnon-related content from their platforms. Facebook and Instagram have strict bans , but QAnon followers can still hide in plain sight, spreading misinformation and inciting violence.
If you notice someone shares QAnon’s theories that are getting too extremist for your liking, feel free to report their posts and their accounts. The same process applies for reporting other offensive or harmful content, and we have contacted each platform’s support page in case you need a helping hand:
While everyone has the right to say whatever they want – as silly as it is – consider it some kind of digital intervention that could very well save your holiday dinner if you have family members who share QAnon’s theories. Otherwise good luck; let us know if you need a backup .