From top: Television presenter Aisling O’Loughlin (right); The Journal website; Aisling’s latest Instagram
‘….unlike many conspiracy theorists who have come to the fore in Ireland, O’Loughlin’s method of communication is somewhat novel here.
Rather than posting angry diatribes against global elites, she speaks in a calm, personal tone, advocating choice and understanding for those who are vaccine hesitant.
The opinions of those in favour of vaccines are sometimes sought, which presents an illusion of balance.
She uses phrases like “my body, my choice” – a slogan previously associated with the abortion referendum in 2018.
Her video messages also reference her status as a parent, framing her views as those of a concerned mother rather than a conspiracy theorist. And false and misleading claims are posed as questions, a subtle move that allows misinformation to be shared without being an outright lie.’
Later…
Although O’Loughlin is not an outward advocate for any specific alternative remedies, many of those who follow her and agree with her views are.
The Journal monitored dozens of Instagram pages which shared O’Loughlin’s videos in recent weeks and analysed accounts which liked her posts and posted supportive messages on her feed.
Supporters of her message included people who described themselves as holistic nutrition coaches, wellness advocates, energy healers, acupuncturists, homeopaths and massage therapists.
Later…
For now, O’Loughlin’s account remains active and despite being de-prioritised by Facebook, is easily accessible. She did not return requests for an interview or comment on her use of Instagram. In a recent post, she said she did not align herself with any political movement or tactics but aligns herself to “love” and “the question of truth and justice”
‘My body, my choice’: How some Irish wellness Instagram accounts became a hotbed of Covid-19 misinformation (The Journal)
KN writes:
…a really vicious article on Aisling O’Loughlin in The Journal. Regardless of where you stand [on Covid] this is pretty disgraceful…and probably why she seems to be the only Irish celebrity to openly question what is going on.
That’ll learn her.
Aisling O Loughlin (Instagram)
Aisling O Loughlin?
