hysteria

New technologies evoke a variety of reactions, not the least of which is fear. From coverage of the Kevin Mitnick case to "cyberterrorism," the popular press plays upon fear around new technology in order to deliver an audience to advertisers.

The result?

Disinformation, and, at worst, manipulation. And it's been going on for a long time, as witnessed from a transcript from the Phil Donahue Show in 1985.