Meteorology Matters: Social media is abuzz with conspiracy theories surrounding reports of an unusual fog across the US, UK, and Canada, dubbed "Fogvid-24." This document summarizes the main themes, important facts, and contributing factors to this phenomenon.
Summary of Events:
- Starting December 29, 2024, social media users, particularly on TikTok and X, began reporting a thick fog with unusual visual and olfactory characteristics.
- Some individuals claim this fog is accompanied by a chemical, electrical, or burning smell.
- Subsequent reports link exposure to the fog with flu-like symptoms such as fever, coughing, sore throat, headaches, and fatigue.
Conspiracy Theories:
- The unusual appearance of the fog and reported symptoms have fueled conspiracy theories, with some alleging it is a government-engineered bioweapon or a form of chemical attack.
- The term "Fogvid-24" emerged, drawing parallels to the COVID-19 pandemic and its associated conspiracy theories.
- Some users point to historical examples like the US military's bacteria fog experiments in San Francisco (1949-1969) as evidence of the government's capacity for such actions.
- Quote: "None of this means that the government is pouring pathogens on its populace now, but we can’t say it’s impossible to do so." (Daily Dot)
- The discovery of a 1916 patent for an "intense artificial cloud" machine, though expired, has further fueled speculation.
- Theories linking the fog to the December drone incidents and Smart Dust technology developed by DARPA are also circulating.
- Quote: "Could this strange fog happening in multiple states and cities be Smart Dust? DARPA has a patent on Smart Dust back in the ‘90s I’m sure it’s been perfected in 2024 and the use of AI now," (X user)
Skeptical Viewpoints:
- Skeptics, often leaning left politically, attribute the perceived abnormalities to the normal properties of fog and seasonal illnesses.
- Quote: “The delusional throbbers that believe this stupidity need to give their heads a massive wobble,” (X user @BSmithBenS)
- They highlight the fact that shining a light through fog naturally reveals individual water droplets, creating the illusion of "particles."
- They argue that the reported symptoms are likely due to the prevalence of common respiratory illnesses like COVID-19, especially during the holiday season.
Scientific Explanations:
- The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued dense fog advisories for affected areas, suggesting a meteorological explanation.
- Scientists explain that the fog can trap and concentrate pollutants, leading to a stronger perception of chemical smells.
- Quote: “When fog forms, sulfur oxides, nitrogen oxides, and other polluting gases are taken up or ‘scavenged’ by fog water droplets,” (Rudolf Husar, Washington University atmospheric scientist)
- Fog can also exacerbate respiratory problems due to its high moisture content, potentially leading to coughing, shortness of breath, and other symptoms.
Conclusions:
- While the scientific community attributes the fog and associated symptoms to natural phenomena, conspiracy theories continue to spread on social media.
- This situation underscores the need for critical thinking and reliance on credible sources of information.
- The "Fogvid-24" phenomenon serves as a reminder of the powerful influence of social media and its potential to amplify unfounded fears and anxieties.
