You might find this an interesting read: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Manufacturing_Consent https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Manufacturing_Consent It discusses t

You might find this an interesting read: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Manufacturing_Consent https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Manufacturing_Consent It discusses the intersection of profit motive and story selection, from before the public internet was even a thing. The form changes, but the incentive structures remain the same, and if anything intensify.