Why Does CNN Persist in Proclaiming QAnon as Fake When They Don't Investigate It?

The question doesn't make sense as written. QAnon is not a theory but a collection of conspiracy-based beliefs. When news networks like CNN and others declare QAnon as false, it's not because they are investigating it but because the content is inherently unfounded.

QAnon: Trolls and Internet Nonsense

QAnon was born on 4chan, an internet board famous for trolling and conspiracy theories. It later migrated to 8chan, which has historically been a hub for internet trolls. Believing in QAnon is as absurd as listening to the classic 'Navy Seal Copypasta' which was a prank and not meant to be taken seriously. When something comes from these websites, it should be immediately dismissed as a non-serious internet hoax.

The Role of Media in Modern Journalism

Traditional media's approach to reporting has changed over recent years. Historically, media outlets would report stories using a "some people say" format, allowing their audiences to draw their own conclusions. This was suitable when beliefs were less harmful, such as flat Earth theories or UFO sightings, but as misinformation spread, so did the need for fact-checking.

Beginning in 2018, many reputable news outlets began to fact-check and declare certain beliefs false, not just report them. This shift aimed to address the growing spread of dangerous and divisive conspiracy theories. The media's goal is not to prove the non-existence of these beliefs but to inform the public of the truth.

The Media's Approach to QAnon and Other Conspiracies

Conspiracies like QAnon are neither theories nor can they be effectively investigated because they lack factual basis. Media outlets often highlight the sources of misinformation rather than investigate them, providing a clearer picture of why these beliefs are false. The trend is to state that certain beliefs are false in a matter-of-fact way, unless there is a specific investigative story to report.

Impact of Partisan Media on Public Beliefs

The rise of media sources that promote false information has led to a significant portion of the population believing in conspiracy theories. This has prompted media outlets to shift their approach, not to investigate these beliefs, but to declare them false. While occasional investigative pieces might run, the general trend is to inform the public about the falsehoods in a straightforward manner.

Conclusion

While it may seem contradictory that CNN and other outlets don't investigate QAnon but still declare it false, this approach is part of a broader effort to combat misinformation. The media's role has evolved to focus on informing the public about the falsity of certain beliefs rather than investigating them, which would be a pointless endeavor given their unfounded nature.