In her younger years, Sarah strongly believed in the literal interpretation of the Bible, embracing concepts like Creationism and the imminent rapture. These convictions heavily influenced her worldview and political stance.
Using a pseudonym for safety due to her focus on researching online communities that promote conspiracy theories such as Q-Anon, Pizzagate, and claims of a ‘stolen’ U.S. election, Sarah is pursuing a PhD in media studies. Her aim is not to dismiss or label these individuals but to comprehend the underlying reasons for their beliefs.
Drawing from her own evangelical background, Sarah acknowledges the significant role group practices play in reinforcing beliefs. She explains how worship experiences in churches aim to evoke intense emotional responses, reinforcing the conviction that a divine force is at work.
Anthropologist Tanya Luhrmann from Stanford University, known for her book “When God Talks Back: Understanding the American Evangelical Relationship with God,” spent years studying how daily practices within evangelical communities can tune members to ‘hear’ God’s voice.
Luhrmann suggests that frequent engagement within online belief communities can similarly intensify belief in conspiracy theories. By elaborating on ideas, receiving validation from a close-knit group, and highlighting specific evidence, individuals can create a reality where these theories become more tangible and compelling.
The power of belief communities in shaping perceptions and realities, whether through religious practices or online interactions, underscores the profound influence of shared beliefs on individuals’ understanding of the world.