The re|con project tracks and analyzes current online developments with a focus on conspiracy narratives through systematic monitoring and modern study design. It also develops theory-driven analyses and evidence-based policy recommendations for civil society, media, and government.
People are particularly inclined to spread conspiracy narratives during times of crisis. These foster a distorted perception of reality among segments of the population and can lead to an increased propensity for violence against the alleged subjects of the conspiracy as well as hostility towards science and democracy. The spread of conspiracy narratives and disinformation also fuels mistrust of democratic institutions and processes. Through their apocalyptic visions, conspiracy ideologies repeatedly provide a basis to legitimize acts of terrorist violence as evidenced by various far-right terrorist attacks in recent years. Far-right online communities promote these narratives, glorify the perpetrators, and encourage copycat attacks.
The re|con project brings together years of interdisciplinary expertise in the areas of conspiracy ideologies, disinformation, antisemitism, and right-wing extremism. It tracks and analyzes current developments in the digital space through continuous real-time monitoring of key digital platforms (such as Telegram, among others) and modern research design, including the use of open-source intelligence (OSINT). Based on this monitoring, the re|con project produces regular reports featuring theory-based quantitative and qualitative analysis. The project also issues evidence-based policy recommendations aimed at civil society, media, and government, and offers consulting services in its areas of focus as well as digital hate speech monitoring for individual persons.
The project aims to network with key stakeholders from government, media, and education, as well as with online platforms. For more information, contact recon@cemas.io.
