I'd say the reverse is more likely. If there were big fish being fried, a bag of pedo-files would be released as a diversion.

Maybe it's all about constantly having diversions? 🤔 It doesn't matter what they are, because media will ensure a short attention span. About a decade ago, I discovered that most people don't remember events from as little as eight months prior (usually longer), even when the media outlets had blasted the event 24/7 at the time.

I think you're right, making our time spent reading news and scrolling our feed all the more wasted. None of us is immune. More time in the garden or with the dog on the beach....

I've been telling people for years now, that the purpose of news media is to distract you from your highest dreams. Imagine a world where surpassing our best goals was the focus of society. It's quite powerful!