Fear mongering is a tactic of cowards and those who thrive on instability. It preys on emotions, exploiting fear to grab attention and manipulate behavior. In today’s world, where media outlets compete for clicks and shares, fear has become the currency of engagement. News is no longer about informing the public—it’s about capturing attention and keeping people hooked.

How Fear Tactics Work

Buzzwords and sensationalized headlines are designed to manipulate emotions and provoke a response. In a world where we, the consumers, are the product, hyperbole sells, and accuracy is sacrificed. Public figures and influencers, whether knowingly or out of ignorance, often amplify one-sided information to audiences who may not know the full story.

While it may seem hypocritical for me to criticize the profession that pays my bills, I can’t ignore how sensationalism has overtaken reality. Social media has only magnified this issue, turning exaggeration into an accepted norm. If you are not paying for a service or product, then your data, attention, or personal information is being collected and used as the "product" that is being sold to advertisers or other companies, essentially making you the commodity instead of the customer. Platforms profit from your attention, selling it to advertisers who crave your clicks. In this system, fear becomes a commodity.

The Role of Public Figures

Public figures, politicians, and entertainers play a critical role in perpetuating fear. Their interviews, videos, and posts often reach millions of people, many of whom assume the information has been vetted. This creates a domino effect, spreading one-sided or partial information to yet another audience. While no one can always discern fact from fiction, public figures have a responsibility to verify information before sharing it in any official capacity.

The Mechanics of Manipulation

Websites and social media platforms are designed to keep you engaged, often through sensationalized content. Search Engine Optimization (SEO) tactics are a prime example: headlines with power words, numbers, and emotional stances are engineered to rank higher on Google. The goal is to drive clicks, not to inform.

Advertisers benefit from this cycle, and as a result, the internet becomes a machine for emotional manipulation. News outlets, content creators, and even casual posters all share responsibility. They’re not just selling products—they’re selling you.

Breaking the Cycle

Fear mongering thrives on your attention, but it doesn’t have to succeed. Here’s how you can combat it:

• Limit Your News Intake: Set specific times to check the news instead of doom-scrolling.

• Limit Social Media: Turn off notifications or set daily time limits.

• Rejoin Your Community: Focus on local, real-life connections instead of online distractions.

• Ask Critical Questions:

• Is it your problem to solve?

  • Does this issue affect me or my family directly? If not, move on.

  • If it does, does it require immediate action? If it’s a future concern, research thoroughly and avoid relying on social media for information.

  • Do I have enough facts, and perspectives, to make an informed decision on this subject?

No one is part of a solution while acting as a keyboard warrior delivering partial or inaccurate information.

Fact-Checking: A Simple Habit

While fact-checking has become a divisive topic, it’s essential. Most social media posts originate from sources that are publicly accessible. Get in the habit of verifying information using reliable tools. I personally use Snopes, PolitiFact, and public records. Before you share, take a moment to ensure the information is accurate.

Fear mongering is not just a tactic; it’s a business model. It treats users as the product and advertisers as the customers. But by questioning what you consume, limiting your exposure, and prioritizing truth over sensationalism, you can take back control. Let’s be smarter than the systems designed to exploit us.