Unveiling QAnon: An In-depth Analysis of Twitter Discourse Surrounding QAnon Narratives Prior to the US 2020 Presidential Elections

This research investigates the emergence of belief in QAnon-related narratives by examining public Twitter discourse from swing states during the 2020 US Presidential Election. Focusing on four main narratives identified in the literature, a qualitative content analysis of 1623 tweets unveiled twelve major themes and ten sub-themes. Results revealed three principal drivers for beliefs in these narratives: powerful emotional triggers promoting group cohesion and action, the fusion of religion and politics, and the self-reinforcing cycle of political and social polarization. This study underscores how conspiracy theories can influence individuals, leading to drastic actions like the January 6th Capitol Hill storming, and offers practical implications for understanding and addressing such phenomena.