As to the second part I really question things like when they say a certain number of people did this on a certain day. Kinda like unemployment. They say there is around 10% unemployment, yet in my circle, which includes family, friends, neighbors, and (former)co-workers, there is 78% unemployment. Make believe is fine. I enjoy a good story. When it is touted as fact it pisses me off. :-)
Your “circle's” unemployment rate is alarming. Best wishes for improvement.