As with every key issue in the Internet age, there are two diametrically opposed views that are starting to form; two warring tribes that draw different conclusions and relentlessly mock and ridicule each other. Global warming believers vs. deniers, pro- vs. anti-Trumpers, Bitcoiners vs. anti-Bitcoiners, Tesla vs. TeslaQ, etc. -- they all essentially represent dichotomies. In this case, we are looking at doomsday preppers vs. the it’s-just-a-flu-bro group. It’s true that the common flu does kill a lot of people; most of which are elderly or frail. It’s also true that, it’s a very similar picture with the coronavirus, only the coronavirus still (luckily) is only around on a smaller scale. We don’t know exactly how it will pan out yet, but I’m still more concerned with the panic and disorder than the actual virus. Panic kills. Overwhelm of basic services and a scarcity of necessary goods & services, kills. And this all starts when a certain narrative starts to spread — so let’s look into the media aspects of the virus reporting and the social media hullabaloo that’s continuing to build.

There’s a phrase that goes bad news travels fast, meaning news about misfortune and trouble circulates quickly; probably more quickly than good news. Also, bad news is difficult to retract. Finally, bad news is lucrative. There’s a reason for some of the fake news you see out there. Nothing attracts traffic as effectively as a real killer of a story. There was a story circulating that the Pope had contracted the virus, and it was starting to gain traction. That turned out to be false. Nevertheless, if you’re the first to this story, you’ll be garnering a lot of clicks — and sweet, sweet ad revenue. (Forget about whether or not it is actually true). That’s part of the reason why the news media revolves so much around the very latest speculation and pontification; it’s bordering on rumormongering and actual falsehood, as it brings in viewers, listeners and readers. Bad news sells. But the revenue is only one component — and when it comes to the news media business, there’s always an underlying agenda to boot, i.e. the bad news are used as means to an end. 

In this case, the agenda seems to be to keep the population calm, and to lull people into a sense of security and normalcy. The established media are being so obedient in towing the official line (of everything being under control), that it’s becoming obvious that the information we’re given is false or deliberately misleading. For instance, that masks do more harm than good, that US cases will soon drop to 0, that this is less of a threat than a flu, that there’s no risk at all to continue to gather in large groups, etc; there’s no need to stock up on groceries or medications, etc. It’s to the point now where the CDC’s actual advice does not match the official story anymore. So in this instance, the agenda is to squelch the worry; to calm the masses — so much so that the official advice is not sound at all.

 If we should have learned anything from earlier pandemics, it’s that keeping a lid on the truth is about the worst thing you can do. Had you admitted early on, before there was any palpable indications of cases landing in the US, that this is indeed a serious potential threat, you would have had a slight response from the public, but not outright panic. Insisting that things are so much under control, that we shouldn’t have food, masks, water, medications or supplies — while cases are mounting, is a horrible strategy, and one that backfires. Because sooner or later, you see the discrepancy between reality and the official PR, confidence falters, there is no trustworthy narrative, not only is the worst case are assumed, but in the lack of any real information, misinformation spreads. That’s when the real panic really takes hold. It’s better to admit there is the chance of a problem early, act