This article talks about how legacy media uses scare tactics and misinformation, especially regarding health topics. It looks at how big money from advertising influences what news organizations report, making it hard for people to get unbiased information. The goal is to help readers understand these tactics and take charge of their own health decisions.
The Media's Money Trail
It’s pretty clear that a lot of money goes into advertising, and this can really shape what we see and hear in the news. For example, during the COVID-19 pandemic, Time Magazine had 33 different covers about outbreaks and pandemics since the early 2000s. This doesn’t even count other outbreaks like SARS, bird flu, H1N1, or Ebola. It makes you wonder why there’s so much focus on these topics.
Then there’s the advertising money. The US Department of Health and Human Services spent over $900 million on COVID advertising in the last four years. Big Pharma spent $7 billion on TV ads in 2021, with an extra $250 million just on the safety of their COVID shots. In 2022, their digital ad spend was almost $1.5 billion, and it’s expected to hit $2.64 billion by 2026. A lot of this money is now going towards GLP-1 drugs for weight loss and diabetes, like Ozempic and Wegovy.
When news organizations get so much money from these advertisers, they’re not likely to publish anything that goes against their sponsors’ messages. For instance, 90% of Fox News’s ad revenue comes from pharmaceutical companies. This means they probably won’t say anything bad about pharmaceutical drugs.
Fear Tactics and Your Health
One big way the media controls us is through fear. They constantly show us bad news, whether it’s about shootings, hurricanes, or health crises. This creates a constant state of fear and anxiety. When you’re always in this state, your body releases a lot of cortisol, the stress hormone. Cortisol is meant for short bursts, like when you’re in danger, not for constant activation. High cortisol levels can mess with your sleep and overall health.
It’s interesting to think about how unhealthy we’ve become as a society. We’re heavier and sicker than ever, and the US uses more pharmaceuticals than any other country. Many foods we eat are even banned in other countries. This suggests that the system might not be set up to truly help us.
The Illusion of Choice
It might seem like you have a lot of choices, but often, it’s just an illusion. For example, in the grocery store, you might see 49 different shampoos, but they could all be owned by just four main companies. The same goes for news media, radio stations, food companies, and even pharmaceutical companies. Many of them are owned by the same big players.
There’s also something called Project Mockingbird, a Cold War-era CIA program, which shows how news outlets can be controlled. And if you’re interested in how people are influenced, check out the book "Propaganda" by Edward Bernays, a social engineer. It’s a real eye-opener about how public opinion can be shaped.
Key Takeaways
- Turn off your TV and get your news from other places. The media isn’t always trying to help you; they often have other agendas.
- Be aware of the constant fear-mongering. This can negatively impact your health by keeping your stress levels high.
- Question the "choices" you’re given. Many products and news sources are controlled by a few large corporations.
- Do your own research. Don’t just believe what the mainstream media tells you.
People are starting to wake up to these tactics. For example, Wikipedia has faced backlash for censoring information, which might be why they’re having financial troubles. When we were kids, news was just an hour a day. Now, it’s non-stop, 24/7. It’s important to be mindful of what you consume.
Ultimately, the goal is to be armed with knowledge and navigate the system we live in. By avoiding propaganda and understanding how information is manipulated, you can make better decisions for your health and well-being. Remember, food matters.
