Reminds me somewhat of the child sex abuse hysteria in the 80s/90s involving daycare centers and the many horrific accusations that people took at face value and without question, being (rightfully) concerned for the wellbeing of the children. It was finally understood that it was relatively easy to plant false memories in young children through suggestive questioning. People went to jail for years before their convictions were overturned, and the impact on society lives on.

[0] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Day-care_sex-abuse_hysteria

[1] https://www.nytimes.com/2014/03/10/us/the-trial-that-unleash...