Information literacy in the age of internet conspiracism

The 21st century has been riven by information challenges, from mis/disinformation campaigns, fake news, and propaganda to online conspiracy theories. At a time when more people are literate than perhaps at any other in history, we still see the rise viral global spread of unhinged theories across web. existence such crowd-sourced presents unique challenges for scholars teachers literacy (IL), who face intractable inculcating healthy practices. This is especially visible compare current IL frameworks with principles espoused within these conspiratorial movements. theory QAnon demonstrates particularly thorny problem efforts because operates according many same frameworks. Since its inception 2017, become one most complex precisely it relies on set informational practices enacted thousands followers known as anons. In this article, I argue that internet conspiracies weaponise through incitement “do your own research”. apply qualitative approach established advocated Association College Research Libraries (ACRL) social media posts Q his anons demonstrate striking similarity orientation toward questions authority, context, research. my analysis, need new models combat conspiracism better understanding political contours ecosystems similarities preclude effective engagement, conclude gesturing future interventions.