Opinion | How fear became a tool of manipulation, not just in Hong Kong
Without truth and transparency, fear can become a debilitating political tool that stifles opportunity and progress for everyone
Fear is a powerful emotion with a profound capacity to influence not only individual choices but also the direction of national and global policies. In today’s polarised world, fear is no longer just a spontaneous reaction; it has become a deliberately used tool to influence public opinion, guide behaviour and shape narratives.
Many foreign media outlets, often adopting a sensationalist tone, speculated on the broader implications of these events. Meanwhile, social media platforms allowed for a distortion of perceptions by fostering insular environments where users primarily encountered content that reinforced their fears. This cycle of fear has eroded trust and undermined rational discourse.
Western companies reportedly responded to these fears by advising executives to use burner phones when visiting Hong Kong. Despite the lack of conclusive evidence suggesting the need for such measures, perceived risks alone shifted travel behaviour and deterred people from visiting the city. This shows how fear, even when unsupported by factual evidence, shapes decisions and disrupts normalcy.
