Conspirituality in the Age of TikTok: A Thematic Analysis of #AgeofAquarius

Nicol, Amelia Jane (2024) Conspirituality in the Age of TikTok: A Thematic Analysis of #AgeofAquarius. Masters thesis, University of Wales Trinity Saint David.

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Abstract

This study examines contemporary beliefs about the Age of Aquarius on the social media platform TikTok. The research aims to analyse user-generated content to identify the contemporary beliefs and perspectives surrounding the phenomenon, the historical and cultural contexts that inform these beliefs, and the extent to which the Age of Aquarius on TikTok is associated with conspirituality and far-right conspiracy theories. The methodology of the study was a deductive reflexive thematic analysis of user-generated content on the Age of Aquarius hashtag on TikTok, using the search engine function to collect data. The findings demonstrate a clear connection to the countercultural Age of Aquarius of the 1960s and 1970s, broader astrological debates as to when the Aquarian Age begins, and evident overlap with conspiritual narratives. The study contributes to existing literature beliefs and themes within New Religious Movements and alternative spiritualities on social media, the field of cyberethnography, and further illuminates the convergence between conspiracy theories and New Age beliefs.

Item Type: Thesis (Masters)
Subjects: B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BF Psychology
H Social Sciences > HM Sociology
H Social Sciences > HV Social pathology. Social and public welfare
Divisions: Theses and Dissertations > Masters Dissertations
Depositing User: Victoria Hankinson
Date Deposited: 28 Jan 2025 16:10
Last Modified: 28 Jan 2025 16:10
URI: https://repository.uwtsd.ac.uk/id/eprint/3358

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