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A comment on Coronavirus is most deadly if you are older and male – new data reveal the risks. Parent comment

Re:Coronavirus is most deadly if you are older and male – ne... by chimprich on Friday August 28, 2020 @01:34PM (#24307640)
> fearmongering

This term (or the similar "scaremongering") gets thrown around an awful lot in discussions about the novel coronavirus and I don't think it's helpful.

For one thing, it's quite insulting to assume someone is deliberately exaggerating something for manipulation purposes. Please assume some good faith.

It's also a problem in that it doesn't advance the discussion in any way, because it can be applied to just about any topic where you don't like the argument.

Discussing dangers of possible long-term health effects of contracting COVID-19? Fearmongering. Raising concerns about climate change? Fearmongering. Studies that show a link between alcohol and heart disease? Fearmongering.

It's such a general-purpose accusation that it's meaningless in most contexts.

[ Parent | on HN ]
Re:Coronavirus is most deadly if you are older and male – ne... by jjcon on Saturday August 29, 2020 @02:24PM (#24318265)
> Discussing dangers of possible long-term health effects of contracting COVID-19? Fearmongering.

The problem is throwing out unscientific speculation with zero evidence - that is fearmongering. HN is held to a higher standard.

[ Parent | on HN ]