Popularity mechanisms and methods of operation

Since many of Dariusz Kwiecień's theses contradict scientific findings , the question arises: where does his popularity come from? Many factors contribute to this.

Over the years, Kwiecień has built a following around himself, using characteristic methods of attracting attention:

Dariusz Kwiecień presents himself as someone who independently uncovers forbidden knowledge . He openly states that "official history is truncated, and the truth is hidden from us ." This message resonates with those who believe that schools and the media don't tell the whole story. He positions himself as an "insider" who knows secret facts , giving his audience the feeling of participating in something special.

Kwiecień's posts often feature sensational content and shocking stories . Tales of mutants, occultists, and hidden treasures capture the imagination. Kwiecień's ability to weave his stories is colorful, thrilling . In the age of social media, such a content-rich mix of horror, mystery, and conspiracy theory easily gains traction .

In his arguments, Dariusz Kwiecień appeals to emotions such as national pride, a sense of injustice, and fear of enemies. This makes his message more persuasive to those susceptible to such manipulation. He uses simple, understandable language and avoids complex scientific arguments. This makes his content easily digestible, even for those without a deep knowledge of history.

In the context of Dariusz Kwiecień's popularity, it is also worth mentioning the activities of amateur internet projects and the so-called alternative media .

Dariusz Kwiecień gained popularity on forums, blogs, and video sites , rather than in peer-reviewed history journals and websites. His presence on YouTube (including the "Riese Olbrzym" channel, which is followed by tens of thousands of people) allowed him to reach a wide audience at a low cost , bypassing traditional media and the fact-checking they employ—potentially inconvenient for Kwiecień.

Since gaining recognition around 2012, Kwiecień has become a frequent guest on programs published by projects such as Niezależna Telewizja (NTV) and Porozmawiajmy.tv. Dariusz Kwiecień can most often be found on programs produced on a " we record with anyone who volunteers " basis , whose creators care more about the quantity and number of recordings than their substantive quality. Kwiecień has also been invited to events organized by museums, whose staff have not bothered to verify the nature of his activities or the content of the materials he publishes.Part of Kwiecień's image is emphasizing that he "says things that are inconvenient to the authorities ." He openly discusses his run-ins with the law—he was reportedly detained several times and accused of spreading unverified information about Riese. It's also true that, due to the nature of his activities, Dariusz Kwiecień was banned from many historically significant sites, such as Książ Castle (due, among other things, to statements defaming the reputation of Princess Daisy von Pless).

It's also significant that Dariusz Kwiecień reaches several audiences with his message. The first group consists of military history enthusiasts and treasure hunters . The second group consists of proponents of broader conspiracy theories, and yet another group consists of those with nationalist or pagan views . Kwiecień serves up an appealing mix for all these audiences. Confirmation bias plays a significant role here – people who already hold certain views (e.g., nationalist, anti-Western) are more likely to accept content that confirms them and resonates with them . The low level of historical education is also important. The lack of critical thinking and familiarity with historical research methodology fosters the uncritical acceptance of pseudo-historical revelations.

Social media algorithms also play a significant role in promoting Kwiecień . Platforms like YouTube, TikTok, and Facebook promote content that generates high levels of interaction (views, comments, shares, and therefore ad impressions and financial benefits). Controversial content like that produced by Kwiecień often gains greater reach than reliable scientific studies.

Dariusz Kwiecień repeatedly cites (often manipulated or taken out of context) statements from historians and other authorities to bolster his theses. In some recordings, he also relies on highly questionable sources, such as a notebook containing stories written by... prostitutes. In the past, he has also organized exploration expeditions without the appropriate authorizations or adequate security, which could have posed a risk to participants.