Joe Ondrak: Horror Everything - Understanding modern conspiracy theory culture
In this talk, Dr. Ondrak will discuss how horror fiction traditions are useful in understanding contemporary conspiracy culture - from false documents and found footage, to creepypasta and QAnon. By looking at the history of horror fiction, we can demonstrate how social media platforms shape meaning, blur the boundaries of fact and fiction, and create a shared environment ripe for conspiracy belief.
About Dr Joe Ondrak
Dr. Joe Ondrak is an Open-Source Intelligence practitioner, investigative journalist, and an expert in disinformation, conspiracy theories, and contemporary media theory. Over five years, he has exposed conspiracy grifters, extreme right-wing figures, hostile state influence operations, and platform manipulation efforts, and advised government and policymakers on how to address the risks that come with our hypermediated age. His PhD – ‘Digesting Creepypasta: Social Media Horror Narratives as Gothic Fourth-Generation Digital Fiction’ – explored how social media blurs the boundaries between fact and fiction when used as a venue for storytelling, and the wider implications for society.
Safety & Comfort
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