In the age of ubiquitous social media and constant information streams, far-right conspiracy theories on platforms like X (formerly Twitter) often blur the lines between reality and fiction.
Among these theories, predictive programming has emerged as a contentious narrative. It posits that “the elite” use fictional media to subtly signal their plans for the future. While this idea might seem implausible to many, it serves as a foundation for how some far-right users construct their worldview.
We are trying to make you understand how far-right users on X interpret predictive programming through popular films such as Leave the World Behind (2023) and Civil War (2024). It also explores the origins and implications of the “pureblood” movement, a conspiracy rooted in opposition to COVID-19 vaccines. By examining these cases, we reveal how these narratives undermine critical discourse, foster divisive ideologies, and weaken public trust in institutions.
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Predictive Programming: Media as a hidden script
Shipwrecks and cyberattacks
On March 26, 2024, the MV Dali, a cargo ship, collided with the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore. Almost immediately, far-right users on X declared the event was no accident, claiming it had been foretold in Leave the World Behind, a 2023 Netflix film. In the movie, a tanker runs aground due to a cyberattack, creating chaos. The parallels were enough for conspiracy theorists to allege deliberate orchestration.
Former US President Barack Obama, one of the film’s executive producers, became a focal point of these theories. Many far-right users claimed Obama played a role in the ship collision, suggesting that the movie was part of a predictive programming agenda. A simulated CNN news report within the film, depicting a fictitious cyberattack, added fuel to the fire. Some users even scrutinized a QR code featured in the scene, speculating it contained hidden messages.
One prominent far-right influencer, with over 885,000 followers, connected the film’s themes to an educational video from the World Economic Forum (WEF), alleging both were evidence of a forthcoming “cyber pandemic.” Such claims illustrate how far-right users exploit current events and media to reinforce their conspiratorial worldview.
Civil War: Inciting division or predicting violence?
Another example is Civil War, released on April 12, 2024. This film chronicles journalists’ efforts to interview a third-term authoritarian US president amid national unrest. Far-right X users alleged the film was not only a warning but also an attempt by the elite to incite violence.
The timing of the movie’s release was interpreted as significant. Conspiracy theorists claimed the fictional president resembled Donald Trump and that his on-screen death was intended to provoke chaos. Such narratives demonstrate how predictive programming theories can transform entertainment into perceived political commentary, fostering mistrust and division. This rhetoric risks becoming a self-fulfilling prophecy as individuals may see political violence as inevitable or even justified.
The pureblood movement: A new kind of purity politics
From fantasy to conspiracy
The term “pureblood” emerged on TikTok in 2021 among individuals opposing COVID-19 vaccines. Drawing inspiration from J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter series, where purebloods are wizards of untainted lineage, the movement frames the unvaccinated as possessing superior “pure” blood.
This concept, laden with Nazi undertones, quickly found traction among far-right users on X. Influential figures with large followings praised public figures like tennis star Novak Djokovic for his “pureblood” status, celebrating vaccine abstention as a badge of honor. Others took the idea further, sharing fake certificates and advocating for separate blood banks exclusively for the unvaccinated.
Dangerous pseudoscience
Some conspiracies within the movement delve into pseudo-scientific claims. For instance, one self-proclaimed Australian senate candidate alleged that COVID-19 vaccines genetically alter recipients’ blood types, introducing “ape” DNA. These claims, while baseless, amplify fears and deepen divisions, demonstrating how conspiracy theories can morph into extreme and discriminatory ideologies.
Erosion of trust and critical thinking
The impact of conspiracy narratives
The reach of far-right conspiracy theories on platforms like X is staggering. Posts linking predictive programming to current events often garner millions of views, magnifying their influence. Algorithms and hashtags further boost visibility, creating echo chambers where these ideas gain traction.
However, the consequences extend beyond individual belief systems. These narratives erode trust in credible sources and government institutions. As public trust wanes, democracy itself is undermined. The blending of fiction with reality fosters a culture of suspicion, making it harder to engage in constructive discourse.
Solutions to combat disinformation
Tackling this issue requires a multi-faceted approach:
- Digital and media literacy education: Social media companies should collaborate with schools, universities, and libraries to promote critical thinking skills. Teaching individuals to discern credible sources from misinformation is vital.
- Community engagement: Local leaders can emphasize the importance of social media hygiene, encouraging individuals to verify information before sharing it. Grassroots efforts to promote critical discourse can also counteract extremist messaging.
- Government initiatives: National governments should invest in counter-narratives to combat conspiracy theories. By fostering open dialogue and addressing legitimate grievances, officials can mitigate the appeal of extremist ideologies.
- Algorithmic accountability: Social media platforms must take responsibility for the content they amplify. Transparent algorithms that prioritize credible information over sensationalist content are essential.
What we think about predictive programming
The fusion of predictive programming theories and far-right ideologies highlights the power of media in shaping perceptions. From movies to pseudoscience, these narratives distort reality, eroding trust and deepening societal divisions. Addressing the issue requires collective action, with stakeholders across society working to foster critical thinking and rebuild trust in institutions.
As social media continues to influence public discourse, understanding and mitigating the impact of conspiracy theories will remain a critical challenge. The question is not whether these narratives will arise but how effectively society can counter them without compromising freedom of expression. Only through a coordinated effort can we hope to navigate the murky waters of misinformation and build a more informed, resilient public.
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