[OG_BME]

I, and I imagine many others, immediately jumped to the conclusion that the data in question was more concrete, like confirmed cases or ICU counts. It goes to show how easily twists can be put on any story to serve a larger purpose

[hnzix]

the data in question was more concrete, like confirmed cases or ICU counts

There's been been accusations of government manipulation of perceived infection rates through under testing. More concrete data is arguably only an improvement if sufficient testing is being conducted.

[s1artibartfast]

I think the goal should be the most concrete data we have. A debate could be had on if self reporting or test data is more accurate. One factor to consider is if the self reporting data is being represented in a way commonly reserved for test data. Another factor to consider is that 33% of Americans think they may have had covid and 13% think they probably did [1]. This is grossly out of agreement with serology results.

https://www.businessinsider.com/small-percentage-americans-w...

[bagacrap]

But under testing has had the opposite effect of what you seem to be applying; it doesn't make the disease perceived as less dangerous, it makes the disease look much more severe by undercounting the mild cases.