By Carlos Taylhardat originally written at 3Narratives
“The Storm is upon us.” — QAnon slogan
In October 2017, an anonymous post titled “Calm Before the Storm” appeared on the fringe message board 4chan. Signed by a figure known only as “Q,” it claimed to unveil a covert battle between then-President Donald Trump and a secret cabal of global elites. This cryptic message ignited a movement that would entangle millions worldwide, leading to fractured families, disrupted communities, and culminating in the January 6, 2021, siege on the U.S. Capitol.
In the vast and echoing corridors of the internet, few movements have ignited as much fervor, fear, and fascination as QAnon. To some, it is a citizen-led revolution—a digital resistance exposing buried truths. To others, it is a modern cult, breeding paranoia and rupturing families through a new form of indoctrination via repetitive social media exposure. This dual narrative shares a common trait: both sides believe it’s about saving human morality. So, what is QAnon really? And what does its rise say about us? Two Narratives, one truth for you to decide.
I. The Digital Awakening
“We are the news now.” — QAnon community mantra
Narrative One: The Believers’ Perspective
For many followers, QAnon is not a fringe conspiracy but a decentralized movement of digital investigators on a moral quest. Since its genesis in the cryptic 4chan posts by an anonymous figure known only as “Q,” adherents have viewed the movement as a symbolic battle between good and evil. They believe they are decoding clues hidden in plain sight—signals that reveal a secret war against a corrupt global elite. The movement’s lexicon—”The Storm,” “The Great Awakening,” “Trust the Plan”—is more than metaphor. It’s mission language, fueling their resolve.
Narrative Two: The Skeptics’ Perspective
Critics argue that QAnon represents a belief system constructed on unstable foundations—anonymous posts lacking verifiable evidence. This structure facilitates the spread of misinformation and fosters a self-sustaining feedback loop. Renee DiResta, a researcher specializing in online conspiracy movements, notes that QAnon’s pattern of enticement mirrors that of pre-internet cults. She explains that as individuals delve deeper into the group’s secrets, they often become increasingly isolated from friends and family outside the movement. This isolation reinforces their commitment to the group’s ideology.
A study titled “Rise of QAnon: A Mental Model of Good and Evil Stews in an Echochamber” by Priniski, McClay, and Holyoak (2021) analyzed over 800,000 tweets related to QAnon. The researchers found that the majority of users disseminated rather than produced information, creating an online echo chamber. This environment fosters a simplistic mental model where political events are viewed as a struggle between forces of Good and Evil, reinforcing the group’s narratives and discouraging dissent.
Furthermore, Rachel Bernstein, an expert on cults and recovery therapy, emphasizes that movements like QAnon make individuals feel connected to something important that others don’t yet know about. She states, “All cults will provide this feeling of being special,” highlighting the appeal of belonging to an exclusive group with purported insider knowledge.
II. The Mayer Sisters: A Family’s Fracture
“I’m worried she’s in serious danger.” — Kasey Mayer
In early 2020, Kasey Mayer began noticing a shift in her sister Kiley’s social media posts. What began as wellness memes and political questions gradually gave way to hashtags linked to QAnon. By midsummer, Kiley had left her home to join Austin Steinbart—an enigmatic figure within the movement—in a remote Arizona commune dubbed “The Ranch.” Steinbart claimed he was in direct contact with Q and, in some cases, that he was Q. Kiley was drawn in, distancing herself from her family, convinced she had found her purpose. Kasey tried everything—calls, visits, interventions. None of it broke the spell.
Tragically, Kasey passed away in 2021, her efforts to reconnect with her sister unfulfilled. Kiley remains within the QAnon community, a poignant example of the movement’s capacity to divide families.
III. Language and Symbols: The Lexicon of Belief
“Dark to Light. Blackout Necessary.” — Common QAnon phrase
Narrative One: The Believers’ Perspective
QAnon’s language serves as both code and creed. Phrases like “WWG1WGA” (“Where We Go One, We Go All”) reinforce community. Terms like “Deep State,” “Red Pill,” and “Breadcrumbs” invite interpretation, a digital scavenger hunt that rewards connection and vigilance. For believers, this language binds them into a shared mythology.
Narrative Two: The Skeptics’ Perspective
To outside observers, the terminology functions more like an ideological trap. Experts warn that ambiguous, emotionally charged language can foster radicalization. Much like traditional cults, the lexicon reinforces in-group identity and isolates followers from dissent. Each cryptic phrase is a doorway to deeper entrenchment, not enlightenment.
IV. Real-World Consequences: The Capitol Riot and Its Aftermath
“The Storm is here and it is descending upon DC in less than 24 hours.” — Ashli Babbitt, January 5, 2021
Narrative One: The Believers’ Perspective
Among QAnon supporters, January 6 was not intended as an insurrection but as a wake-up call. While many reject the violence that ensued, they maintain that their intentions were rooted in civic alarm, not sedition. In their eyes, they were answering a call to defend the Constitution.
Narrative Two: The Skeptics’ Perspective
The events of that day are seen by most as a harrowing result of unchecked conspiracy. The Capitol riot, fueled in part by QAnon rhetoric, marked a moment when belief morphed into action—with tragic consequences. For critics, it underscored the movement’s potential to incite violence and destabilize democracy.
In a controversial move, President Donald Trump, upon beginning his second term on January 20, 2025, issued a sweeping pardon for over 1,500 individuals charged in the January 6 Capitol attack, leading to the release of all incarcerated rioters and the dismissal of numerous ongoing cases. This unprecedented action overturned the largest prosecution in Justice Department history and included individuals convicted of violent crimes, such as attacking police officers and plotting to halt the certification of President Joe Biden’s 2020 election victory.
V. Historical Parallels: From Manson to Jonestown
To understand QAnon’s place in history, it’s instructive to look at past cults. Charles Manson, for instance, led the Manson Family in the late 1960s, persuading his followers to commit a series of murders, including the infamous 1969 slaying of actress Sharon Tate. Despite not directly participating in the killings, Manson’s influence was so profound that he was convicted of first-degree murder and conspiracy to commit murder.
Similarly, Jim Jones orchestrated the Jonestown Massacre in 1978, where over 900 members of the Peoples Temple died in a mass murder-suicide in Guyana. Jones’s charismatic leadership and apocalyptic rhetoric led his followers to this tragic end.
These historical examples showcase how charismatic leaders can manipulate and control groups to devastating effect. In contrast, QAnon lacks a central figurehead but operates through decentralized online platforms, spreading its ideology across various cultures, religions, and nations. This raises critical questions: Has QAnon awakened a cult of individuals programmed without territorial boundaries, ready to follow orders? Or is it an awakening and enlightenment to our world?
VI. Conclusion: A Call for Critical Engagement
“Think for yourself. Question everything.” — QAnon motto
At the heart of QAnon lies a paradox: a movement that champions independent thought, yet often fosters uniform belief. Its rise underscores deeper societal issues—loneliness, distrust, and the erosion of shared reality.
Research indicates that individuals are drawn to conspiracy theories like QAnon to satisfy fundamental psychological needs: the desire for understanding (epistemic), the need for security and control (existential), and the longing for social connection (social) . These needs are particularly acute in times of uncertainty and upheaval.Cambridge University Press & Assessment+1Wikipedia+1
The impact of QAnon extends beyond individual belief systems, often fracturing families and communities. As highlighted in various reports, loved ones of QAnon adherents grapple with the pain and frustration of trying to reconnect with those who have embraced these conspiracy theories .PBS
In an era rife with digital misinformation and algorithm-driven echo chambers, the most radical act may not be to believe or disbelieve, but to pause and reflect. As we navigate this complex information landscape, we must ask ourselves:
“The important thing is not to stop questioning. Curiosity has its own reason for existing.”, Albert Einstein. Once you find one solution, continue to question that solution as well.
VII. Why QAnon’s History Matters More in 2025 Than in 2016
In 2016, QAnon emerged as a fringe online conspiracy theory, characterized by cryptic messages and a niche following. Fast forward to 2025, and its legacy has evolved into a decentralized, borderless movement that leverages advanced technologies to disseminate misinformation and manipulate public opinion.
The 2024 U.S. presidential election underscored this transformation. Artificial intelligence played a significant role in spreading disinformation, with AI-generated images and deepfakes becoming tools for political manipulation. For instance, AI-generated images depicting election fraud and manipulated visuals of political figures were circulated widely, contributing to a polluted information ecosystem .NPR
Moreover, the exploitation of social media platforms by foreign actors has intensified. A study by the Network Contagion Research Institute revealed that U.S. influencer Jackson Hinkle was utilized by foreign entities, including Russia and Pakistan, to spread anti-Western propaganda to millions of followers .
These developments underscore the importance of understanding QAnon’s origins. What began as a fringe conspiracy has laid the groundwork for sophisticated, technology-driven influence operations that transcend national boundaries and challenge democratic institutions.The Jerusalem Post+6arXiv+6The US Sun+6
As we navigate this complex digital landscape, reflecting on QAnon’s history provides valuable insights into the mechanisms of modern misinformation and the urgent need for media literacy and critical engagement. How do we protect victims of brainwashing toward a leaderless cause that has no geographical boundaries?
“The important thing is not to stop questioning. Curiosity has its own reason for existing.” Albert Einstein
I’m a storyteller at heart with a deep appreciation for nuance, complexity, and the power of perspective. Whether it's global politics, social shifts, or television narratives, I believe every story has at least two sides — and it's up to us to find the one that matters most the 3Narrative.
3 Narratives was born from a simple idea: that people deserve more than echo chambers and outrage. Here, I explore two viewpoints and leave the third — the conclusion — up to you.
When I'm not writing, you’ll find me spending time with my son, diving into thought-provoking shows like Better Call Saul, or chasing the next layered story that can change the way we see the world. My other passions include photography, skiing, sailing, hiking and more important a great conversation with a human being that challenges my own narrative.
📍 Based in North America | 🌍 Writing for a global mindset
