This chapter critiques the sensationalized media narratives surrounding fentanyl exposure, tracing their origins and exposing the disconnect from scientific consensus. It examines the nocebo effect and scrutinizes police and media claims, revealing a troubling acceptance of exaggerated fears about fentanyl interactions.
In this public News Brief, we discuss a new, detailed media survey by Zach Siegel that shows how news outlets mindlessly parrot police "accidental fentanyl overdoes" misinformation.