Algorithmic conspirituality: Explicating its emergence, dimensions, and persuasibility

Algorithmic conspirituality is the belief that social media algorithms have the capacity to know users intimately and convey personally meaningful messages at the exact right moment to revelatory effect. Through a thematic analysis of TikTok videos, this study explicates this concept by identifying five distinct dimensions of its expression on TikTok-(1) relational, (2) injunctive, (3) personal, (4) spiritual, (5) conspiratorial-and explaining their relationship with the platform's affordances-(1) connectedness, (2) personalization, and (3) social creativity. We then connect the emergence and impact of this phenomenon to the possibility for persuasion and behavior changes through normalization of messaging in areas such as mental health, smoking, attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and body dysmorphia that could lead to positive and negative health outcomes.

Automated summary

Algorithmic conspirituality is a belief that social media algorithms can intimately understand users and convey personally meaningful messages at the right moment. This study examines this concept through a thematic analysis of TikTok videos, identifying five dimensions of expression and explaining their relationship with the platform's features. Additionally, the study explores the potential positive and negative health outcomes of algorithmic conspirituality in areas such as mental health, smoking, ADHD, and body dysmorphia.