From Real Estate Star to Fearmonger: The Strange Journey of a YouTuber

New York City's real estate scene changed dramatically when the COVID-19 pandemic hit. Many people left the city, leaving lots of empty apartments. Cash Jordan, a well-known real estate broker, had to get creative to keep his business going. He started making videos showing off his listings on YouTube. These videos were fun and informative, highlighting cool spots in the neighborhood and poking fun at small apartments. Jordan's videos were a hit. He became famous for showing off New York City's best spots and apartments. But things changed. He started making videos with scary titles like "NYC is Now So Dangerous . . . Nobody Can Live Here. " These videos often featured images that looked like they were made by AI, showing chaos and danger in the city. This shift was surprising, but it's part of a bigger trend. Many creators use social media algorithms to spread fear and sensationalism for views and money. Jordan's videos now have over 1. 2 million subscribers. He's made deals with big companies and his videos get millions of views. But instead of showing the real New York, he spreads false stories about crime and chaos. Some people think he's just trying to make money by scaring people. His videos have even made some tourists think twice about visiting New York. Jordan's success shows how easy it is to spread misinformation online. People are more likely to believe scary stories than facts. This can lead to real problems, like making people afraid to use public transportation or support safe commuting initiatives. In 2024, there were 251 vehicle collision fatalities, including 147 pedestrians and cyclists, while 10 people lost their lives on the subway. Social media platforms have made it easier for misinformation to spread. They often don't fact-check content or moderate it properly. This can lead to more division and polarization in society. Some creators even use AI to make their videos more sensational. This makes it harder for people to find accurate information. It's important for people to be critical and think for themselves when they see something online. Look for vague or exaggerated language, inconsistencies in images, and visuals that seem too perfect. Always verify the source of the information before sharing it.