Nolan Wells’ friend lawyering up amid rampant online speculation is a clear indicator of how low mainstream media will stoop to push a narrative. Here we have Attorney Russell Latino categorically denying that a viral photo is anything but an old high school snapshot—yet outlets like CNN and Fox News will twist any smidgen of drama to ensnare viewership, pitting social media gossip against hard facts. It’s ‘clickbait’ journalism at its ugliest.

Why is it that, instead of focusing on credible reporting, networks are more interested in fanning the flames of conspiracy and speculation? The relentless pursuit of audience engagement through scandal over truth shows the true agenda: ratings over integrity. Why rely on authentic information when you can leverage fear and sensationalism? These talking heads are content to repeat half-baked theories instead of doing the hard work of investigating real issues.

It raises the question: are they out to generate more clicks, or are they stockpiling narratives to push some larger agenda? With social media’s uncanny ability to magnify misinformation, it’s astonishing how the corporate media corps can use that to spin a story for their narrative while presenting as unbiased. We need to call them out—not just for their failure to report accurately, but for their willingness to capitalize on tragedy without a shred of ethical consideration.