TikTok, QAnon, Neo-Paganism: Essential Reads

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Post on Jan 24, 2025

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TikTok, QAnon, Neo-Paganism: Essential Reads – A Wild Ride Through Online Spirituality

Okay, so buckle up, buttercup, because this is gonna be a trip. We're diving headfirst into the weird and wonderful world of online spirituality, specifically how TikTok, QAnon, and Neo-Paganism are all weirdly intertwined. It's a mess, I'll admit, but a fascinating one. I mean, who woulda thunk it? Witchcraft, conspiracy theories, and short-form videos? It's like a bizarre internet cocktail.

My Own Spiritual Journey (and How I Got Lost in the Algorithm)

Let me start by saying, I'm not an expert. I'm just a person who stumbled into this rabbit hole – quite literally. I started exploring Neo-Paganism a few years ago, drawn to its focus on nature and personal spirituality. You know, crystals, tarot cards, the whole shebang. I was searching for something authentic, something real, after years of feeling disconnected from organized religion. Finding online communities was a huge help.

But then... TikTok happened. I thought, "Hey, maybe there's some cool pagan content here!" And there was… for a while. Pretty videos of spellcasting, folks talking about their deities, cute witchy aesthetics. But then, the algorithm, that insidious beast, started showing me… other stuff.

I started seeing videos about QAnon – those wild conspiracy theories that claim there's a secret cabal of Satan-worshipping pedophiles running the world. Yeah, that stuff. I'd get a video of some witchy aesthetic, followed by one claiming a pizza place was a front for human trafficking (seriously, Google it, you'll see what I mean). I even saw a few videos blending QAnon beliefs with Neo-Pagan imagery. It was… unsettling, to say the least.

The Dangers of Algorithmic Radicalization

This experience really opened my eyes to the dangers of algorithmic radicalization. TikTok's "For You" page is powerful; it tailors content to your existing interests, even if those interests are...let's say, a little niche and maybe dangerous. It created a sort of "rabbit hole" effect for me where I started seeing things that were alarmingly untrue. You start with one thing, and before you know it, you're knee-deep in a whole different world of information, and not all of it is true.

That's the scary thing about these echo chambers. You get surrounded by people who confirm your biases, regardless of whether those biases are based in reality or not. That can be true for any topic but it's especially dangerous when we're talking about something as sensitive as faith.

Navigating the Minefield: Tips for Responsible Online Spirituality

So, what did I learn? A lot, actually. Here's some advice based on my experience:

• Be critical: Don't just accept everything you see online. Cross-reference information, do your research. Remember that even spiritual sources should be questioned and studied.
• Diversify your sources: Don't rely on just one platform or one type of content. Read books, listen to podcasts, attend workshops (IRL ones are often the best!). You need to diversify.
• Be mindful of the algorithm: Algorithms are designed to keep you engaged, which sometimes means showing you content that’s more extreme than you intended. Be aware of this and take conscious steps to break free of the echo chamber.
• Seek out reputable sources: Look for information from well-established communities and experienced practitioners. There are tons of online courses and teachers to learn from who are not trying to spread misinformation.
• Protect your mental health: If you find yourself getting sucked into negative or harmful online content, take a break. Talk to someone you trust. Your well-being should always be a priority.

This wasn't a smooth journey, guys. It was a bumpy, confusing ride, filled with moments of deep frustration and moments of clarity. I wish I had known these things earlier. Learning to discern between well-meaning spiritual seekers and those spreading disinformation is key to a safe journey.

Recommended Reads (Beyond TikTok!):

I'm still working on my own understanding, but here are a few books and resources that have helped me navigate these complex issues:

• For Neo-Paganism: "The Spiral Dance" by Starhawk (a classic introduction) and "The Green Witch" by Arin Murphy-Hiscock (a practical guide).
• For Understanding Conspiracy Theories: "American Psychosis" by Dr. Barbara Walter (a really thorough and sobering look at the recent rise of extremism).
• For Media Literacy: Any book or article on critical thinking and media literacy will help.

Remember, your spiritual journey is personal. Be cautious, be critical, and most importantly, be kind to yourself. This online world is a wild place. Navigate it safely.