Narrativas conspiracionistas em mídias sociais digitais: uma análise sobre a conspiração de Ratanabá no Tik Tok

Abstract

This paper discusses the structure of conspiracy narratives on digital social media, in the context of analyzing the conspiracy surrounding a supposed lost city of Ratanabá, through audiovisual content on TikTok. This thesis provides a theoretical journey through concepts related to conspiracy theories, understanding them as a possible phenomenon generating misinformation (Wardle and Derakhshan, 2017), while exploring the relationship between narrative (Barthes, 1971), ideology (Thompson, 2009; Chaui, 2014), and the discussion of factual truth and the function and representation of an alternative version of reality (Simmons, 2024). In the first chapter of this research, a theoretical overview of conspiracy theories is conducted. In this sense, it is understood that conspiracy theories may have peculiar elements and specific characteristics based on the reflections of Rezende (2019) and Machado (2005). This study also posits that conspiracy theories can have elements of identification and appeal to internet users, generating a sense of belonging (Fragoso, 2023). Additionally, it is observed that Artificial Intelligence has been a relevant and recurring tool used by creators of conspiratorial content, particularly on TikTok. It is also understood that degenerative AIs, those that generate images and sounds, are more frequently used (Joanguete, 2023). The methodological procedures include bibliographic research (Stumpf, 2005), content analysis (1977), and specific criteria for analysis. This research employs its own criteria for analyzing the found material based on studies by Butter (2024) and Lewandowsky and Cook (2020) regarding the systematization of the topic. The results of this research demonstrate common characteristics in a grouping of conspiratorial content, which repeatedly uses core ideas, like: the proposition that there is something hidden from society and is about to be revealed, excessive skepticism toward factual truth, and a constant suspicion of official narratives, as well as the ongoing use of Artificial Intelligence in the production of conspiratorial content on TikTok.