6. Perceptive stereotype of catastrophes
from mass media coverage of prior risks
Mass
media creates a false image of global catastrophe that has a subconscious and
profound impact on our estimates. Experience of watching television reports on
catastrophes has developed the subconscious stereotype that doomsday will be
shown to us on CNN. However, a
scenario might not unfold in that way. A global event that affects everyone on
the planet very quickly may not have time to be adequately covered by the
media. Doomsday may not be televised.
Television
also creates the perception that there will be an abundance of data regarding a
disaster as it emerges, as has been the case with threats such as earthquakes
and bird flu mutations. However, the amount of information available may
actually be quite small in proportion to the magnitude of the risk, so detailed
reporting may not be forthcoming.