It's just that I fear that we'll make things much worse by panicking.
You mention the rumor that they used "gaming systems", i.e. a Playstation. While that rumor's been disputed, it's an example of how fear and paranoia spread.
The rumor is based on the probability that they used encryption to plan and coordinate the attacks, something that everything with a computer can do, not just Playstations. But the encryption angle wouldn't be as satisfyingly scary if it were portrayed as being done on smartphones or PCs: The terrorists used a toy! OMG, toys are everywhere! The terrorists must be everywhere too! Our toys are terrorists! (OK, maybe the last one's over the top, but you get the idea.)
Jeez, come to think of it, we're using encryption right now! OMG, the HabitableZone is a terrorist! Or something! Run!
I sense you're rattled by the attacks in Paris, Jody. It's a shame RL jumped on you--I'd forgotten about that sociopathy of his. It's not unreasonable to be worried about something like that, and commendable because it shows empathy with the victims (the root of empathy is simply "it could happen to me!"). But we have to be care to not let it get away from us; reasonable concern which heightens vigilance is good, letting it turn into panic destroys judgment, which is dangerously bad.
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We both fear how we'll handle it
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