Thread by @tylerblack32

Moral panics exist because of anecdotes, disproportionately hyped harms and exaggerated claims of fear-supporting research (while fear-rejecting research ignored) fueled by media fearmongering and political exploitation.

This is why people beleive suicides increased in 2020.

It's hard hard hard work to overcome moral panics. I cite my work, provide error estimates, and discuss any aspect requested of me. I am constantly being riddled with questions that I've been asked a million times by people who "know suicides increased."

I've heard "but what about ODs/deaths of dispair" and have responded hundreds of times (they are usually accidents/don't use that term if you're not a PhD winning economist).

I always always always need *your help* to overcome a moral panic. Get my best messages, the one in which my **evidence** (not rhetoric) convinces you, in peoples eyes. Media. Politicians. Keep it up.

On my end, I will always work to provide the latest data in a way that is understandable. It's hard hard hard work (each thread ~8h of excel work before I start writing), but if I do it, I do it to use information to overcome the moral panics and stigmas and misuses of suicide.

So many people (way more than trolls and haters) have sent me words of encouragement. But I want to say this loudly: thank all of you! Because YOU made my threads go viral, I'm talking to media and new people daily about what the evidence actually shows.

It really makes it all worth it.

I appreciate everyone who cares about evidence and principled use of information. I want you and need you to battle against misinformation spreaders, and a moral panic climate that resists nuanced evidence.

("PhD winning economist" = "Nobel winning economist")

But hey if you have a PhD you know how much I respect you now :)