I'd also like to add...

With everyone thinking something major is going to happen (either things will be wiped out or there will be a new utopia) many won't be bothered to take positive action in the here and now.

This is from personal experience of giving up literally everything for the hope of a "new earth" to come or thinking the end is near...

Well if people think some event is going to happen, those who control the show can keep controlling it without interference from those who are interested in alternative theories and know something is off. Unfortunately, these are the very same people who could actually provide the necessary actions to change things for the better.