"Extremist groups like cults, conspiracy thinking, which has become rampant in a digital age, and the types of political radicalization that are proliferating in online spaces are all related to the same underlying process, which is that of scam culture. Scam culture is defined as predatory processes that exploit individual vulnerabilities for profit. For instance, conspiracy thinking is often promoted by prominent influencers in online spaces as a way to not only advance their content but specifically monetize and profit off of users' fears."
"It has been well established that both mis- and disinformation thrive in digital spaces, largely based on the role algorithms play in social media feeds and Google searches to keep users beholden to their devices and on specific platforms for as long as possible. For instance, the COVID outbreak offered "a huge opportunity for scammers and for producers of disinformation to step in" and offer remedies or products to ease consumers' fears during this period (Steinhardt, 2020)."
Scam culture underlies cult membership, conspiracy thinking, and political radicalization by exploiting psychological vulnerabilities for profit. Predatory actors in digital spaces monetize fear and uncertainty by promoting conspiratorial narratives and selling remedies, memberships, or merchandise. Algorithms and platform design amplify misinformation and disinformation by keeping users engaged and exposed to monetizable content. Public mistrust in institutions creates a demand for alternative explanations that bad-faith actors satisfy. The COVID-19 pandemic provided abundant opportunities for scammers to offer false cures and exploit consumers' anxieties. Addressing these dynamics requires understanding the economic incentives and group dynamics that drive exploitation in online environments.
Read at Psychology Today
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