During SARS-CoV-2 pandemics, the flu practically disappeared - 2020 brought just 600 U.S. flu deaths, down from more than 20,000 the previous year.
https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/flu-has-disappeared-worldwide-during-the-covid-pandemic/
@isagalaev Consider this as an analogue of discussions in other domains.
We know that the influenza virus exists. We know that there are non-human reservoir pools (it co-evolves in birds and swine, if not other animals as well).
What we've determined here is that if you disrupt the conditions necessary for it to propagate among humans you can virtually eliminate it within the human population, and reduce deaths by 97%.
As an analogue, we know that the viewpoints, thoughts, and expressions that occur via algorithmic social media exist without it. But somehow the addition of that highly-effective and "engagement-generating" distribution system has overwhelmingly toxic effects.
(Both viruses and memes are information transmission under selective pressure with behavioural consequences.)
@kravietz well, that's not really "disappeared" in the sense that if/when we stop wearing masks, it's going to be back.