Apocalyptic talk has been a major driving force in politics. Witness the focus on Israel and the high level of nihilism that has crept into leadership positions.

If you viewed "1984" as apocalyptic, it was both a prediction and a warning that held off "1984" until recent times.

Some is "good" if it tempers the extreme hype and bubble. It's no secret where we are on the Gartner hype curve.

Of course, the doomsayers are all wrong

until they aren't

We have come close on occasion, and look around you to see various Twilight Zone episodes being played out IRL.