Is doomsday the new hypodermic needle?

The apocalypse, rapture, doomsday, armageddon, end of days... no matter how you term it or how it comes about, these are all names we use to describe the end of life as we know it. When I started reading about the hypodermic needle theory, doomsday is what came to mind. The theory goes that media can "inject" people with strong images to sway their minds to a way of thinking. This has been done numerous times throughout history with the result being a call to arms or a blinding panic. One of the most recognizable examples of this would be Orson Welles' War of the Worlds.For those who don't know, War of the Worlds was a radio show that was aired on October 30th 1938 in New York and New Jersey. Listeners were convinced by "news bulletins" breaking into the program that an alien invasion was happening and erupted into hysteria.

While there is documentation that it was a fictional broadcast, there are those who believe otherwise.
     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?

An Introduction

This blog was created to do a project for class, but I thought I would give a brief background of myself for the first entry. I'm a student who is just a couple of credits shy from completing my bachelor's in professional communications. I have two children, am a very active aunt to two more kids, and have more cats and dogs then I care to disclose. When I am not handling my household, I spend my time at my internship that gets waaaay more than the 15 hours a week I signed up for (hence the blog title "in the pursuit of more time"). In my spare time I enjoy reading, trying to catch up on my favorite TV shows, seeing new movies, spending time with the kids and dabbling with creative writing. For what I am currently up to... Adele is in the CD player and I'm starting to watch Breaking Bad on a recommendation of a co-worker. Has anyone who happens to read this watched it? What is your opinion of it?