On TikTok, Linkedin or X, internet users react with irony or violence to the assassination of the CEO of UnitedHealthcare. A symbol of the deep anger of public opinion towards a system accused of enriching itself at the expense of patients.
Jokes, ironic, even hateful comments: the death of a major healthcare boss in the United States, shot dead, has provoked a wave of harsh publications on social networks, evidence of deep anger towards a system lucrative, accused of enriching themselves at the expense of patients. This was identified by the Network Contagion Research Institute, a research center specializing in digital issues “a wave of highly engaged publications on social media glorifying the event, some even calling for further acts of violence, generating tens of millions of views”.
“I submitted a request for support for my condolences but it was rejected, too bad”says, full of irony, an internet user on TikTok. “Thoughts and prayers for all patients who have been refused treatment”another comments. “My thoughts and prayers are not included in my coverage” health: this comment, which has been recurring online as the tragedy, echoes the frequent practice of American health insurance companies to refuse coverage for a medical procedure.
The publication on Facebook of the condolences of the united Health group – parent company of UnitedHealthcare – sparked a strong reaction from Internet users, the vast majority of reactions were Emojis “LAUGH”. On Friday it was no longer possible to know their precise number. “United refused to pay for my medication when I was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis”says a user on TikTok. “I hope your family gets the bill”he states, about Brian Thompson.
“Defense Mechanism”
Brian Thompson, head of UnitedHealthcare, the country’s main health insurance company, was shot dead at dawn on Wednesday by a gunman in midtown Manhattan, in the heart of the world’s financial capital. The hunt for the suspect continued Friday. UnitedHealthcare covers about 50 million people in the United States and made profits of $16.4 billion in 2023. The same year, the compensation of it’s boss, Brian Thompson, was more than $10 million.
This lack of empathy or even anger illustrates the public’s disavowal of the private health insurance industry in general, and UnitedHealthcare in particular. “All the jokes, all the sarcasm about murder, is a defense mechanism for a population that feels helpless in the face of our healthcare system” believes, in a TikTok video, the ophthalmologist and actor «Dr. Glaucomflecken» real name William flanary, known for his satirical medical videos.
The law «Obamacare» adopted more than ten years ago, it has made it possible to cover tens of millions of Americans without health insurance. But the cost of health care and disparities in care remain high in the United States, for a good considered global in other countries. According to government data, American residents spent $1.29 trillion on private health insurance in 2022. In the United States, as of 2023, 216.5 million residents were covered by private health insurance (out of more than 330 million residents). This profitable sector also manages the government-mandated public insurances Medicare and Medicaid.
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Brian Thompson, CEO of health insurance giant United Healthcare, murdered on the street in New York
Although police have not yet established a motive for the murder of the 50-year-old UnitedHealthcare boss, speculation is rife that the suspect, still at large, wanted revenge for a dispute with this insurance company. According to the New York Times the words “delay” (delay) e “deny” (waste) writings were found on the shells present at the site of the tragedy, which
UnitedHealthcare denies about a third of its policyholders’ medical claims, the highest rate of any insurance company and double the industry average, according to ValuePenguin, an analyst group.
Interview: The Pulse of Public Opinion on Social Media Reaction Following a Major Assassination
Time.news Editor (TNE): Welcome, dr. Sarah Thompson, social media analyst and expert in public sentiment. Thank you for joining us today to discuss the recent shocking events surrounding the assassination of the CEO of UnitedHealthcare. The reactions on platforms like TikTok, LinkedIn, and X have been striking. Can you outline what you’ve observed?
Dr. Sarah Thompson (SST): Thank you for having me. Yes, the response has indeed been quite polarized. Many users on social media have reacted with irony or outright violent sentiments,which is telling of the deep-seated frustration and anger toward the healthcare system in the U.S. There’s a growing sentiment that this industry prioritizes profits over patient care, and the assassination seems to have become a symbol of that rage.
TNE: It’s alarming to here that. How do these reactions reflect broader societal issues?
SST: They reveal a significant disconnect between the public and healthcare executives. When leaders of these corporations are seen as out of touch, it can lead to extreme reactions. The social media landscape works as an amplifier for those feelings, where behind-the-screen anonymity can foster a risky surroundings for expressing extreme opinions. The Network Contagion Research Institute reported a surge in “highly engaged publications,” suggesting that this isn’t just a fervent outburst but a collective expression of outrage.
TNE: That makes sense. In one of the reports, it was mentioned that some posts even called for further acts of violence. What implications does that have for society and social media platforms?
SST: It signifies a troubling trend where violence is being normalized as a solution to grievances. This is particularly dangerous because social media platforms can sometimes perpetuate echo chambers, where these extreme views gain traction and lead to real-world consequences. It begs the question of how these platforms manage harmful content to ensure they don’t inadvertently incite further violence.
TNE: So, do you think this reaction can lead to any positive change in how the healthcare system operates?
SST: It’s a double-edged sword.On one hand,these feelings of outrage could spark a conversation about reforming the healthcare system and addressing the grievances patients have. Though,on the other hand,glorifying violence can delegitimize those discussions. If the focus shifts to condemnation of violent acts rather than addressing systemic issues, we might miss a crucial prospect for dialog.
TNE: Speaking of dialogue, do you believe that social media can play a constructive role in these discussions?
SST: Absolutely, if used responsibly. Social media has the potential to facilitate conversations among patients, healthcare professionals, and policymakers. By discussing experiences candidly, we could foster empathy and greater understanding of the systemic issues at play. It requires moderation and proactive engagement from both users and platform regulators, though.
TNE: how can individuals navigate these intense and often negative conversations online without being overwhelmed?
SST: It’s important for individuals to curate their feeds intentionally, engage with constructive content, and participate in discussions that promote positive change. Seeking out and amplifying voices advocating for reform can help shift the narrative away from violence and towards building a better system for everyone.
TNE: Thank you, Dr. Thompson, for your insights. It’s truly a challenging landscape, and your expertise sheds light on how we might navigate it moving forward.
SST: Thank you for having me! Let’s hope for a collective shift towards constructive dialogue.