Summary Of The Birds Aren T Real Conspiracy Theory

The “Birds aren’t real" conspiracy theory demonstrates how easily the conspiracy theory genre can spread misinformation.” One of the main characteristics of conspiracy theories is providing that sense of fear to captivate the audience believing the conspiracy into a reality. The "Birds aren't Real" conspiracy theory refers to conspiracy theories and hoaxes claiming that birds do not actually exist. These claims often posit that birds are simply drones or computer-generated images used by governments to spy on citizens. The conspiracy genre is often characterized by dark humor, satire, and skepticism toward authority. The "Birds Aren't Real" conspiracy fits these conventions, as it uses anecdotal evidence such as strange bird behaviors and

The convention of how this conspiracy theory is portrayed uses a great number of extreme claims, as the theory states, “It is believed that the initial plan for killing all of the birds and replacing them with flying cameras was thought up one weekend in May of 1956.” (Birds Aren’t Real Website), then backed up by baseless emphasized evidence that several other conspiracy theories have in common, (Byford 21) as they continue with “JFK was murdered by the CIA because he was against the mass murder of every feathered flying creature in the United States.” (Birds Aren’t Real Website). The theory also employs speculation and makes connections between seemingly unrelated events to create a larger conspiracy. This kind of reasoning is common in conspiracy theories, as they often seek to challenge the dominant

Despite a lack of credible evidence to support these claims, such as blurry videos, pictures, and Twitter threads. QAnon has managed to manipulate its audience and attract a large following similar to the “Birds Aren’t Real” conspiracy theory mentioned earlier and other conspiracy theories. One way QAnon influences its audience is through the use of fear and paranoia (Byford 122). The conspiracy theory preys on people's innermost fears, such as the protection of children, and provides them with a terrifying and all-encompassing story that is intended to instill fear and mistrust in the public sector and the media. This fear enables them to construct an ideology and persuades them to believe that only “Q” can save them from Satan-worshiping pedophiles. Compared to the Birds Aren’t Real theory, it is not as extreme but it still has similarities when it comes to persuading the audience, especially through paranoia. The conventions of conspiracy theories as a genre are evident in the language and stylistic choices made by QAnon. For example, the movement employs coded language and cryptic messages, such as references to “Q”, to create a sense of insider knowledge among its followers. (QAnon Message Board) This coded language is meant to build a sense of