The illuminati an' sich?

Where and when did this start and why is it gaining so much traction? Eg. Can't watch music video or talk to people anymore without someone having a debate about how this artist(s) being an occultist or how I am a dumb skeptic sheep because I ask for more proof than regurgitated information or just plain bringing it up. Illuminati, new world order, freemasons, "satanic" symbolism in music videos and photos, Mk Ultra brainwashing, or "the biggest truth i shall ever hear"... I don't get it. I know the world is influenced by a very select few who will do whatever they can to keep their place. At certain times of our world history some have even formed special clubs and used symbols to feel exclusive. Yea i know, but somehow it seems that this is very very new info the way it is being talked about. Why are people freaking out and feel the need to warn or educate others about those "baphomet worshipping occultists"? I'm not saying being aware is bad, but "ohhh the freemasons are an evil group who worship the devil in a ritual rite and rape the bodies of young boys afterward while singing kumbaya which is actually an ancient call for Cthulhu. I read it in an article where a survivor who left the group said so and you know he is telling the truth because he wrote a book."