Using Conspiracy Theories to Make Sense of a Loss

2024/11/14

On the Media

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Anna Merlan

Anna Merlan：输掉选举的一方往往倾向于转向阴谋论来解释结果，这在2004年克里输给小布什的选举中可见一斑。当时，许多人将民调的巨大误差归咎于选举舞弊，其中甚至包括罗伯特·肯尼迪。如今，在2024年大选中，一些卡玛拉·哈里斯的支持者也对选举结果提出质疑，他们提出的理由包括民调失准、大规模投票没有转化为选票，以及认为选举被黑客入侵等。这些说法在社交媒体上广泛传播，但并未得到官方证实。虽然这些阴谋论并非哈里斯支持者的主流观点，但其影响力不容忽视。 Anna Merlan还指出，社交媒体平台对虚假信息的监管力度减弱，导致更多此类信息传播。算法也可能鼓励用户发布和传播阴谋论，因为这能带来更多关注和收益。她认为，在短期内，选举否认主义日益成为一个两党问题，这令人担忧，因为它可能导致人们对选举结果失去信心，并减少公民参与。 Micah Loewinger：节目的讨论围绕着2024年美国总统大选后，部分民主党选民对选举结果的质疑展开。主持人与Anna Merlan讨论了这些质疑背后的原因，以及阴谋论思维在任何输掉选举的阵营中都可能出现。讨论中涵盖了多个方面，包括社交媒体上病毒式传播的选举阴谋论、民调的准确性、Starlink等技术在选举中的作用，以及“Blue Anon”等术语的含义和使用。节目也探讨了社交媒体公司在应对虚假信息方面的作用，以及选举否认主义日益成为两党问题的可能性。

Deep Dive

Key Insights

Why do people turn to conspiracy theories after an election loss?

Conspiratorial thinking helps make sense of unexpected outcomes, providing explanations when reality doesn't align with expectations.

What specific conspiracy theories have emerged from Kamala Harris supporters after the election?

Theories include claims that the election was hacked by Elon Musk through Starlink or that Putin interfered, and concerns about missing votes.

How accurate were the polls in predicting the 2024 election results?

Most polls predicted a tight race, which is what occurred, though some had a slightly more optimistic outlook for Kamala Harris.

What role did social media play in spreading election conspiracy theories?

Social media platforms like TikTok and Twitter allowed these theories to go viral, with some users leveraging them for engagement and monetization.

How has the term 'Blue Anon' been used and received?

Initially used in 2016 to describe left-wing conspiracy theories about Trump, it has resurfaced to label similar thinking among Democrats. Critics argue it lacks precision.

What are the implications of widespread election denialism?

It can lead to disillusionment and disenfranchisement, potentially dissuading people from voting and participating in civic life.

Chapters

The chapter discusses how some Democratic voters, including Kamala Harris supporters, questioned the election results on social media, raising concerns about potential fraud and discrepancies in the polling data.

Many Democratic voters questioned the election results on social media.
Concerns included discrepancies in polling data and potential fraud.
Some posts went viral, questioning the integrity of the election process.

Shownotes Transcript

Many media outlets were prepared for conspiracy theories and lies to spread after the election. But many thought that it would be coming from Donald Trump or his supporters spreading the “Big Lie.” But since Donald Trump’s win, some social media posts from Kamala Harris supporters and people on the left have gone viral questioning the outcome of the election.

Host Micah Loewinger speaks with Anna Merlan), senior reporter at Mother Jones covering disinformation, technology, and extremism, about the viral post-election delusions and how conspiratorial thinking can be expected from any losing party.

Using Conspiracy Theories to Make Sense of a Loss 22:12 Share