Sh**ing On Big Tech Some More (+ On Humanity) RE: Lab-Leak Theory

Recall how social media platforms actively censored anyone suggesting the possibility that the covid19 virus came from a lab in Wuhan. This when the transmission pathway from bats to humans had never been conclusively proven. When multiple scientists had initially stated that the virus did not seem to have a natural origin. I remember a group of Indian scientists had published some research very early on highlighting the presence of HIV proteins in this coronavirus, and suggesting the possibility that it could not have arisen naturally. The backlash then was so intense that the paper was withdrawn soon after.

A sensible person would have asked, why such consternation, when nobody actually knows the origin of the virus yet? Why vehemently deny a supposedly preposterous conspiracy, instead of simply dismissing it like conspiracy theories routinely are? But sadly most people aren't very sensible anymore. Not those who rely on media for information, anyway.

Now the idea that the virus could have come from a lab is more widely accepted, for, among other things, the plain fact that the origin is still unknown. One full year after this horror-show, at least some noise is finally being made to start a proper investigation into the origins of the virus. No more "most such viruses are zoonotic, so this one is too", hopefully.

Until a proper, transparent investigation is carried out, we can't say for sure whether the covid19 virus is natural or not. That's the whole point. There's no conclusive evidence of either zoonotic transmission or lab-origin (accidental or otherwise), just presumed likelihoods. And yet everyone spent the whole of last year trying to shoot down anyone pointing out alternative origin theories. A whole-ass year.

There was no conclusive evidence for any origin theory, yet "mainstream" media actively propagated one and censored others.

There was no conclusive evidence for any origin theory, yet social media unilaterally censored any mentions of a lab-leak, de-platforming or damaging reputations of several people and entities on no basis.

There was no conclusive evidence for any origin theory, yet people who love to have opinions picked sides anyway, with many shitting on anyone not agreeing with their chosen tale. America was a fascinating example of this, where something as serious as the pandemic still raging world over was cheapened for domestic politics, so that another stick to beat the then US President (Donald Trump) with could be wielded, for he had suggested lab-origin as a possibility. Somehow the good folks there managed to turn this too into a Republican vs. Democrat thing (dear god), complete with all the labelled baggage that comes with that pitiable dichotomy.

All while media, particularly social media, continued their unabashed censorship.

All anyone needed to do was sit back and realise that there was (and still is) no evidence to fully back any theory yet (not even zoonotic transmission), which in itself is worrying. Then the true importance of an impartial investigation would have easily become clear to all. But nope. Everyone needs to picks sides, and media (social and other forms) make it so easy by picking the "right" side for the day for people, and letting human nature express itself in general asshattery all around. There's a difference between believing something unquestioningly (which leads to blatant bullying of the kind faced by anyone who'd talked, objectively or not, of possibly unnatural origins for the virus last year), and believing something is likely but not certain. The latter needs objectivity and some modicum of intent towards objectivity.

Now the "right" side is slowly being changed into accepting that all does not seem simple (and the reasons for that will be many). But who will hold big tech and media accountable for all the obfuscation and blatant suppression of views that has led to such a delay in an honest study of the origin of the pandemic? No one really.

An entire year that could have been utilised understanding the cause of the spread to better arm ourselves against this beast, and the ones to come, was wasted in pushing a manufactured foregone conclusion and sabotaging any chances of impartial inquiries. Social and traditional media were at the forefront.

But these companies don't need to be held accountable in any legal way, in my view. If such a big flip flop in the narratives being churned out by these fellows does not make the average person stop and reconsider their own habit of unthinkingly consuming news and information simply because it confirms their biases, then there is 0 hope for humanity at large. It's just mind-boggling how much power private corporations have to shape popular perception, largely supported by the fact that people themselves don't want to see this influence OR question what they're fed.

If nothing else, at least something as ridiculous as Facebook announcing it would now "allow" posts hinting at a lab-leak to remain on its platform should make people realise the sheer stupidity of letting big tech and their network of alleged "fact-checkers" or corporations or $$$ in general dictate and spoon-feed them the "truth". Use your damned common sense for once, people, yeesh.