Modern Mysteries

Are 2012 apocalypse beliefs dangerous ?

By T.K. Randall
December 1, 2012 ·  44 comments

Image Credit: NASA For those who subscribe to the idea that the end of the Mayan calendar on December 21st signals a global apocalypse, the end of the world is now just three weeks away. To combat this, NASA has stepped up its campaign to promote the facts surrounding the date and to reassure people that nothing is going to happen. Many rumors including an asteroid impact, a collision with a rogue planet and a deadly blast of solar flare activity have been summarily dismissed and debunked.

The real danger then perhaps is not an actual catastrophe but the affect that such rumors have been having on those who believe them. "While this is a joke to some people and a mystery to others, there is a core of people who are truly concerned," said astrobiologist David Morrison. Some people, especially younger individuals, are terrified of what will happen this is an issue that needs to be addressed.[!gad]For those who subscribe to the idea that the end of the Mayan calendar on December 21st signals a global apocalypse, the end of the world is now just three weeks away. To combat this, NASA has stepped up its campaign to promote the facts surrounding the date and to reassure people that nothing is going to happen. Many rumors including an asteroid impact, a collision with a rogue planet and a deadly blast of solar flare activity have been summarily dismissed and debunked.

The real danger then perhaps is not an actual catastrophe but the affect that such rumors have been having on those who believe them. "While this is a joke to some people and a mystery to others, there is a core of people who are truly concerned," said astrobiologist David Morrison. Some people, especially younger individuals, are terrified of what will happen this is an issue that needs to be addressed.

Source: Live Science | Comments (44)

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