We’ve become uneasy about using “conspiracy theory” to describe QAnon, which has grown to encompass a whole alternative world of beliefs and signals.

Moving forward, @BuzzFeedNews is calling it a "collective delusion." Here's why: https://www.buzzfeednews.com/article/drumoorhouse/qanon-mass-collective-delusion-buzzfeed-news-copy-desk

QAnon is more complicated, convoluted, and dangerous than conspiracy theories. Some compare it to a religion; it has a savior figure in Trump and prophetic scripture of sorts.

The real-world effects of QAnon are clear: The FBI labeled it a domestic terrorism threat in 2019.

Not everyone who subscribes to the QAnon mass delusion believes in all of it. With such a mess of entry points, someone could very well pass along parts of the QAnon narrative without realizing what the whole entails.