Another event that had a similar impact would be the Y2K bug that sparked a frenzied year of preparation in order to prevent the collapse of society.
In all incidents of hypodermic needle theory it seems to be consistent that people respond strongly; mostly out of fear of death or civilization ceasing to exist.
This year I've noticed an increasing trend of TV shows focused on the subject of doomsday, such as:
Doomsday Preppers
and
Doomsday Bunkers
Both of these shows focus on people who are preparing for an array of disasters. What disasters, you ask? Oil crisis, hyperinflation, electro-magnetic pulses, earthquakes, climate change, overpopulation, nuclear accidents, government takeovers, disease pandemics... the list never seems to end. Heck, people are even starting to believe zombies are an issue.
As much as I shake my head in wonder at all of this, it must evidently have some people worried. Preppers have actually become a niche market on the internet where you can buy supplies, custom-made doomsday kits and even shelters.
As we get closer to the end of the Mayan calendar, I think we will find an even greater increase of panic and preparation among people as the media focuses more intensely on the end of times. I personally feel 2012 stands about as much chance as zombies and will probably play out as well as Y2K did. What do you think? Do you have a way you believe society will end? If so, do you think it will happen in your lifetime or do you think the masses are prepping for a "rainy day" that will never come?