We originally thought that the Fake News Fatigues were protective technology. Initial tests had suggested that they operated through a combination of:
- Cognitive camouflage to evade detection by wandering memetic infections.
- Mental labeling of intrusive thoughts—an early detection system that actively warns the user of an infection in progress.
We tentatively deployed the Fatigues to researchers in the field who were actively studying viral spread in the population, thinking that it could help them and their loved ones be… if not safe at least, perhaps, aware.
This worked for a time, at least on the surface level of thought. After repeated uses, though, we discovered that those utilizing the Fatigues had significantly weakened cognitive immune systems. Without routine, unguarded exposure to hazardous thoughts, researchers on our team became extremely vulnerable to even transparently damaging mental patterns.
Worse yet was what the viruses themselves learned. Mutations arose that became more resilient to all known forms of detection and screening.
What had previously been our clean rooms became dens of howling and frenzied meme-making.
Perhaps you have already been exposed to some of the psychic toxins that were supercharged by utilizing sensitive equipment from our labs.
Truly, we may need even the bad ideas to pass through our minds from time to time. Without them, how can we grasp the real and the sensible?
The fragility of the collective psyche cannot be overstated, what may feel like a benevolent and healing intervention can backfire dramatically.
Consider this a warning to the research community.
Consider this a warning.
Consider this.
Consider.
Con.
C.