The New York Times · 25 Sep, 09:03 · Artificial Intelligence briefing

Why We Can’t Stop Predicting the Apocalypse

The New York Times examines the persistent cultural fascination with predicting societal collapse, exploring why apocalyptic narratives remain compelling despite frequent inaccuracies.

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The briefing

The story
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What happened, who it affects, and why it landed on our intelligence desk — in plain English, sixty seconds or less.

The New York Times examines the persistent cultural fascination with predicting societal collapse, exploring why apocalyptic narratives remain compelling despite frequent inaccuracies. The article analyses the psychological drivers behind this trend, noting how media consumption and digital echo chambers amplify doomsday scenarios. It highlights the disconnect between scientific consensus on gradual challenges and the public’s appetite for dramatic, imminent catastrophe. This cultural phenomenon influences public discourse and policy priorities, creating a unique environment where fear-based engagement often outweighs rational risk assessment for organisations and individuals alike.

Employer demand for Crisis Management skills — indexed growth since 2019
Indicative index of skill mentions in professional job postings for the field this story moves (2019 = 1)

Your move

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You must navigate a landscape where public anxiety drives market volatility and policy shifts. Professionals in communications, risk management, and leadership must master crisis management to maintain organisational stability amidst sensationalism. Develop skills in data literacy to counter misinformation and build trust with stakeholders who feel overwhelmed. Prioritise courses in Crisis Management to handle reputational risks effectively. Simultaneously, strengthen your Psychology expertise to understand audience behaviour and mitigate fear-driven decision-making. Smart professionals will focus on clear, evidence-based communication strategies that reassure teams and clients. By combining analytical rigour with empathetic leadership, you can guide your organisation through uncertainty without succumbing to hype or paralysis.

For this story, the fields that convert it into pay are Crisis Management, Psychology, Data Science and Communication — exactly the programmes matched below. The chart shows the indicative salary uplift certified professionals report in each of those fields; every one of them is a click away, from £79, finishing in as few as 20 days.

Indicative salary uplift in the fields matched to this story
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