Fear-Based Reporting: Have You Been a Victim?

Fear sells. Whether intentional or otherwise, this can sometimes work to the advantage of the media and the disadvantage of consumers. Have you ever been influenced by fear-based reporting, only to find out later that the reports were wrong? If so, help others become more discerning news consumers by sharing your own experience. Share Your Experience

Is Symantec the source?

Conflicker fear reporting was seen elsewhere on TV. In every report I saw, the video was produced in Symantec facilities with Symantec spokespersons (practically every scene had a Symantec logo prominently displayed). Were 60 Minutes and other 'news' venues paid to run a Symantec commercial as a news story?

—Guest nutso fasst

Consumer Resistance

The thought of having to deal with computer viruses put me off becoming an internet user for years. Eventually other users persuaded me to be less resistant to going on-line, and to find out how easy it can be to safeguard against most viruses.

—Hedgecutter

confickervirus

i was so scared of this worm that i defragged my hard disc and ran updated on all my security. turned out that microsoft had already automatically run an update to protect my computer from "conficker". why do these people put the fear of god in you like that. its not fair, and a waste of time.

—Guest jocelyncanning

Fear-Based Reporting

Has anyone ever conducted a study to determine how much actually occurs in the U.S.? It's not just CBS and 60 Minutes. A while ago, one of the networks did an hour-long documentary on the "exploding" gas tanks on the General Motors pick-up trucks. Upon review of the videos used in that presentation, and studies done by GM and others, NBC finally admitted to using devices to cause the actions seen in the video. And GM only asked for an apology!?!?!?! Instead of putting NBC out of business!!! They seemed to have the basis for putting an end to sensationalism, selling fear and fear-mongering, and yet they didn't. Why? I have my own thoughts on the matter, but would be nice to know what all was "really" considered/evaluated/decided that resulted in the request for a public apology!

—Guest Arnwulf01

Fear based reporting is a HUGE problem

Fear seems to have replaced truth in media. Be it Conficker, the latest hurricane, the amount of snowfall to be expected, a terror threat - you name it. You really, really, really have to think for yourself when you listen to media reports about ANYTHING - from the weather, to Obama, to a food scare.

—timfisher

Fear based Reporting

Here is another reason for me not to watch CBS News and 60 minutes. How can you do this to trusting public who watches your news and 60 minutes religiously. These people shoudl be terminated immediately for spreading a fear which is not true. From now on no more 6o minutes and no more CBS News. I guess CBS Executives did not learn from the fiasco Dan rather created. Good bye CBS for ever.

—Guest Narvinnie

Threat level orange

As soon as I saw the U.S. government set up a color coded threat level system, I knew that fear mongering was alive and well in Washington.

—Tom_Nelson