Our recent TPOL commentary about the data center controversy triggers additional feedback and thoughts. Several recent political and social commentaries have pointed out the growing use of psychological terrorism: not actual violence or the threat of violence, but playing on people’s emotions and whipping up their fears.

This is, of course, nothing new. Fearmongering has long been a favored tactic of both tyrants and revolutionaries. Especially the socialist type.

It is also a key method of advertising. Listen to any of the hundreds of common advertisements for medicines, and it is clear. Fear sells just as much as sex does.

Several writers have recently described how fear of infectious disease is “strategically amplified” to shape public behavior. Why? Beyond money, this influences governments, and creates opportunities for those (in power or the right economic position) to benefit from the panic. They call that process “psychological bioterrorism.”

Of course, we see that everywhere. Not just in the Pandemic Panic (beer flu: COVID-19 episode). A virus (or something similar) is discovered somewhere in the world. The media reacts: “we’re all gonna die unless…” (You understand newspaper and other media’s apocalyptic mode.) Talking head “experts” appear to be predicting (or preaching) catastrophe. Computer models project millions will die. (If the right circumstances are present, of course. Read the teeny-tiny print, folks!) So, seeking votes and campaign contributions, the politicians declare emergencies. And of course, Big Medicine Pharmaceutical companies announce new products. Today, the rumor mill and jungle grapevine has been replaced by social media. Digital panic attack: rumors, myths, misunderstandings and lies!

The result? Ordinary peaceful and honest people, who just wanted to buy groceries, do some work, and walk the dog (and or kids), suddenly feel like civilization is one sniffle and sneeze away from total collapse. “We’re all gonna die.”

Wash. Rinse. Repeat. AIDS, COVID, measles, flu, flu, flu. The latest example? The current political and media frenzy surrounding Hantavirus.

Now, to be clear, Hantavirus is a real disease. It can be serious. But Westerners have dealt with the hazard for a very long time: we teach about it when training miners for safety and health. Yes, it deserves appropriate teaching, medical attention, and surveillance. Rodent control around mines, processing plants, rest areas, businesses, homes, and barns does matter. Especially in locales where the virus is endemic (like many areas in the Rocky Mountain West). Nobody sensible is arguing otherwise. But to believe Faucet again (when will we learn?)? Forget it.

Worry as much about it as bubonic plague from rats and prairie dogs. As spider or snake bites. As getting hit by lightning. Don’t use it as an excuse to give more power and money to bureaucrats (public or private), government officials, or health fanatics. Stay cool, stay leery of whatever snake oil is being sold today.

In future commentaries, we will look at the nuclear and chemical equivalent of psychological bioterrorism. These forms are just as bad, and just as likely to propagate through society.

Indeed, when it comes to epidemics, pandemics, and infectious diseases in general, the psycho-social version can indirectly be as deadly both to society and individuals. (See Hari Sheldon, c/o Isaac Asimov.)