It's bullying mate. Better talked about in those terms. People want it shut down before it starts. They're scared, and there isn't a fear out there that doesn't have some basis in reason. Telling people not to talk about a thing though is usually not a good idea. Freedom of information and freedom of expression are valuable, just as freedom from interference in our lives, and freedom from fear, are.
My view is that freedom from fear goes both ways. They oughtn't to pile on and threaten people with a barrage of extreme negativity for talking about a thing. They know it has an effect. We're all sensitive to social pressure. And they know, the more of them do it, the more effective it is. It's not something people persevere through for very long. That's why they do it. But that's the way the internet turned out for you. Once upon a time shouting down discussion and dogpiling was moderated out of existence - not anymore.